Stories are great teachers. They involve the listener emotionally, and stick in the mind much better than mere concepts. For example, we all know that that we should think of others and not only ourselves. But the principle comes alive when packaged in a good story. Here is that same teaching delivered by Krishna and Arjuna.
Krishna and Arjuna
Krishna and Arjuna were walking together one day when they saw a man, dressed in rags, begging by the side of the road. The man explained that he was a poor Brahmin who had fallen upon hard times and that begging was the only way he could feed his family. Arjuna, feeling great compassion, gave the man his entire purse. Krishna, in the meantime, only smiled.
As the Brahmin was going home, a robber, who had been watching, beat him, and stole the purse. The next day Krishna and Arjuna again found the man sitting in the dust with his begging bowl. Upon learning his story, Arjuna, feeling even greater compassion, gave him, off his own finger, a ring with a large ruby. Again, Krishna merely smiled.
This time, as the beggar was crossing the river by ferry to his home, he was filled with great joy and excitement. Unable to contain himself, he held the ring aloft in order to show his fellow travelers his good fortune. As he did so, the boat was rocked by a wave and the ring fell into the river where it was immediately swallowed by a large fish.
On the third day, Arjuna and Krishna again saw the man begging. By now, Arjuna suspected that something more was at play, and asked Krishna what he should do. Krishna smiled again and then gave the man two pice, the least of all the coins of the realm.
As the beggar neared the river, he thought, “What can I do with two pice? Well, at least I can buy the freedom of one fish from the net of the fisherman.” Having paid his pittance, he was about to release the fish into the river when he noticed something gleam in its mouth. It was, of course, his lost ruby ring. As he once again held it in his hand, he cried out in a loud voice, “Look what I’ve found!” The thief, who was in the crowd, assumed that he had been discovered and threw himself at the Brahmin’s feet. “Here, take back your purse, but please don’t have me thrown in jail.” Because of one tiny act of kindness, the beggar had recovered everything.
Arjuna finally understood. And Krishna smiled.
Especially in India children are, or used to be, brought up listening to stories from the great epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. This is how they learn truth, and values, and wisdom and love. The next time you are about to grab the TV remote control, you might want to reach instead for a good story. As you do so, Krishna will smile.
In joy,
Nayaswami Jyotish
16 Comments
A great story teaching kindness and compassion. Thanks Sir.
I love stories and the one this morning was at the top of my list. Good lesson. Lots of patience which is something I need to have more of.
Thanks for your input.
Let’s not be too dismissive of TV. Stories are what television tells. It’s finding the right show, and limiting the quantity, but a great deal can be learned over the airwaves on how an intricate story is properly told.
Jack please tell me that you did not miss the point!!
Dear Ji’s
It is a Great Story I like it so much when ever read or hear it at Ananda Sat sangs.
With Gratitude
R sundararajan
wonderful story and lesson. Thank you, Jyotish
Bet you can’t eat just ONE —
Thank you so much for the fabulous story. I love to tell a good story at Sunday Service. I will enjoy adding this one!
Much Bliss,
Kristy
Dear Nayaswami Jyotish Ji,
Thank you for this beautiful story .
“The next time you are about to grab the TV remote control, you might want to reach instead for a good story. As you do so, Krishna will smile.” – – I would want to and will try to follow this . Thank you for quoting this :)
Thank you Jyotish. I can only smile. Namaste
How sweet. Very encouraging.
so beautiful and inspiring,thank you
Dearest Swami Jytotish,
Thank you so much for this delightful story! When Swamiji was asked once, what will take your place when you are gone? Swami replied: “Kindness will take my place” Thank you for this reminder! Love, Brindey
thanks a lot Sir. a nice story.
Dear Jyotish,
Stories are great teachers!
Thank you for being … a story teller!
~~~Peace, Josette
This story made me remember Mother Teressa who once said, when a child gives up his two pice, which can buy her a toffee, to a needy, she does a true help by her heart, more than what a millionaire does by giving few hundred as donation. Yes, Jyotishji stories teach a lot . Evolution of many management theories are from historical events and consequences, in a simple way from Stories. Thank you Sir.