Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Sudama

Sudama was a close childhood friend of Krishna and also a true devotee of his. They studied together and then went off to follow their life's calling: Krishna became the king of Dwarka and Sudama, a poor brahmin. He was so poor that his family had to sometimes go without food for days. One day, his wife unable to see the pitiable faces of their children requested him to go meet his friend, Krishna, thinking that maybe he'll help Sudama. Sudama initially refused her, he told her that they were brahmins and brahmins never worry about money. To which his wife replied that she wasn't asking him to beg money from Krishna, she simply wanted him to meet Krishna. Finally, Sudama was persuaded to go see Krishna. Since he was going to meet his old friend, he told his wife that he must take some gift for him. Poor that they were, there was nothing in the house that his wife could offer as a gift. So with hesitant toes and faint hope she went to the neighbours to borrow some roasted chickpeas. To her luck, she got some. She packed them in a torn, old cloth and handed them over to her husband. When Sudama reached Krishna's palace, the guard asked him to be seated till he informed Krishna. Krishna, on hearing Sudama's name ran to the palace doors neither caring to put on his slippers or his crown. He was very happy to see his friend and very sad to see his condition. He cared for Sudama with his own hands: washed his feet, offered him food, water and clothing and started reminiscing the good old days. The omniscient God knew everything, he knew why Sudama's wife had sent him and he also knew that his friend would never ask for anything - he only wanted to be Krishna's devotee and desired nothing else. So he eagerly asked Sudama if he'd brought his old friend some gift. Sudama, seeing all the luxuries of the palace, was too embarassed to hand him the parcel of torn cloth; Krishna knew this too. To save his friend from any embarassment, Krishna pulled the parcel from his hands and cherished it as if it was the most precious gift he'd ever recieved. Even though there were only roasted chickpeas in the parcel, he ate them like they were cashews. Sudama stayed with him for a few days and then returned back home. When he reached his home, he saw that instead of the dilapdated hut there was now a mansion and on entering the mansion he met his family. They'd nice clothes, there was ample food and other necessities to keep his family happy. Then Sudama realized that God is so generous that he doesn't even tell his beneficiary what he does for him. As always, Sudama remained dedicated to Krishna and never desired anything other than him.
Conclusion of the story: He who worships God with all his love, faith and devotion, gets all that he wants without asking.

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