48 - Practice of Dharma

[Guest guest]

48 - Practice of Dharma

 

Prahlad was not only a devotee of Lord Narayana but also a very

righteous king. He was the most bountiful of kings. He would never

say 'no' to anyone who approached him for a favour, gift or help.

Once Indra intending to test Prahlad, came to him in the guise of a

Brahmin. Prahlad offered his respects to him and asked: " What do you

seek of me. How can I make you happy? The Brahmin replied: " Oh king!

I want you to gift me your Sheela (character). Prahlad said: " So be

it. Your wish is fulfilled. I am gifting away my Sheela to you. " The

Brahmin left the court. No sooner did the Brahmin leave, then a

charming young man was seen walking away from the royal court.

Prahlad questioned him: " Sir! Who are you. The young man replied: " I

am fame. I cannot stay with you any longer since Sheela has left

you. " Prahlad permitted him to leave.

 

A few seconds later, yet another handsome man was seen walking away

from the court. Prahlad asked, " May I know who you are? " The man

replied: I am valour. How can I be with you without Sheela and fame?

I am therefore leaving. " Prahlad permitted him to leave.

 

Soon, a charming lady was leaving the court in hurried steps.

Prahlad asked her: " Mother, may I know who you are? " " I am

Rajyalakshmi, the presiding deity of this kingdom. " She replied and

added: " I can't live here without Sheela, fame and valour. Then a

lady was seen moving away with tears in her eyes. Prahlad ran

towards her and asked: " Mother, who are you? " She said: " Son! I am

Dharma Devatha (righteousness). I don't have a place where there is

no Sheela, fame and valour. Even Rajyalakshmi has left you. "

 

Prahlad fell at her feet and said: " Mother, I can live without

Sheela, fame, valour and Rajyalakshmi but I cannot live without you.

How can I send you anywhere. It is the duty of the king to protect

Dharma. Dharma alone is the basis of the entire world. Please stay

with me. Do not forsake me. "

 

Dharma Devatha agreed to stay. When Dharma Devatha agreed to stay,

all the others also returned to the court and said: " We cannot exist

without Dharma Devatha. Let us please be with you. "

Lord Indra tested Prahlad only to illustrate to the world the

greatness of Prahlad, which was founded only on his practice of

Dharma.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba Stories and Parables

Source: Chinna Katha

http://www.saibaba.ws/stories/storiesparables.htm