Guest guest Posted March 21, 2007 Report Share Posted March 21, 2007 ---------- Forwarded message ----------vish <itgarg21-Mar-2007 01:45An Awareness Booster! An Awareness Booster! Once, a young man named Vijay approached a famous Vaishnava sage. Vijay asked the sage, " O sage! My mind is very restless and always thinks about the sense pleasures. I can't think beyond my selfish interests. I don't have any sympathy for others. But how come you are aloof from bad habits and at the same time have compassion for fallen souls? The sage replied, " I appreciate your nice question, but I can see that within 24 hours you will leave this world. This reminded Vijay of the fact that how famous the sage is for speaking truth. In a state of shock he immediately asked permission to leave.The sage asked, " Vijay! All your enthusiasm vanished, just with my one statement! Why such hurry? You still have 24 hours to go. " But Vijay insisted to leave and the sage didn't compel. At home, all the family members started crying after knowing the fate. Neighbors, relatives and friends also came there to bid adieu. About 1 hour before the final time, Vijay lied down on a bed. He looked as good as a dead man. Suddenly, the very same vaishnava sage walked in. " Vijay, I just want to take 2 minutes of your precious time. " Somehow Vijay composed himself and looked towards the sage. Sage asked, " In the past 24 hours, did you think ill for anybody? Or did you spoke ill of anyone? Or did you trouble anybody in anyway " ? Vijay, " How could I do anything, all the time I was thinking about death " . Sage, " Or did you abuse, steal or thought about sense pleasures? " Vijay, " Sir that was absolutely impossible. I was completely engrossed in the though of my death. " The Sage continued in a grave voice. " Only Lord Krishna knows the future, who will die and who will live (Bhavishayani cha bhutani mam- B.G 7.26). One who has come in this world will surely leave this world one day (Jatasya hi dhruvo mryityo – B.G 2.27). Daily many people are leaving this world but still rest of the people look completely forgetful of this ultimate truth -death (Ananyahani bhutani gacchanti yamalayam – Mahabharata)! This is confirmed by the very fact that no one is preparing to leave (engaged in spiritual practice) for this final flight. The very remembrance of the death is extraordinarily enlightening. So, the answer to your question is that I differ from you only in one respect. You are aware of the death for past 24 hours and I am aware of this death for past 24 years!! " Surely, remembrance of death would control the restlessness of our mind and would give an excellent thrust to our spiritual practice. Let's not ignore this blunt truth and start preparing for our final journey with the most potent weapon - chanting of the holy names of Lord Krishna! Don't wait till your doomsday – act now!! Regards,Vishvambhar Appearance of happiness and distress in one's life is similar to upward and downward movement of the wheel. One who neither gets excited by arrival of happiness nor feel dejected by arrival of sorrow can live peacefully. -- " Let Noble thoughts come to us from every side " .- RigVeda (1-89-i) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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