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The Magic Bowl
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Innocent Prayer
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Lord Rama
Devotion
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Michelangelo &
Jesus
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Buddha & Yashodhara
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King Jayamal Devotion
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Sage Narada &
Sannyasins
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Sage Narada and two Sannyasins
Osho :
There is a very ancient Hindu story: Narada, the heavenly messenger, was
once going to Heaven to see the god Vishnu. On the way he met an old
sannyasin and asked him, ”I’m going to meet God. Is there any message you
would like me to give?” The old sannyasin replied, ”When you meet Him please
ask Him how much longer I shall have to wait? I have been a sannyasin the
last three births.” Narada said he would surely give the message. He went a
little further and found another sannyasin sitting under a tree.
He was young and lost to this world as he sat playing his one-stringed
instrument. Nanak asked him jokingly, ”Well, brother, have you any message
for Him? I’m on my way to Vishnu’s abode.” The young man kept singing, his
eyes closed. Narada shook him by the shoulder and asked again. He answered,
”No, brother, I have nothing to ask. His grace is boundless; whatever my
wants He has already provided. Don’t trouble Him on my account. You needn’t
even mention my name because I have everything I could wish for and more.
If possible just convey my gratitude to Him.” When Narada returned and met
the old sannyasin, he told him, ”Forgive me, brother, but Vishnu said, ’As
many leaves as there are on this tree, so many births will this man have
before attaining.’ The old sannyasin was filled with rage. He tore the book
he was reading, threw away the mala, and shouted in anger, ”What injustice!
For three births I have done penances, tortured myself, and still
so many births to go! It cannot be!”
Narada then approached the young man under the second tree. ”You didn’t
request it, but I asked God on your behalf how long it will be before you
attain, and He said, ’As many leaves as there are on the tree where he sits,
so many births must he take before attaining.’” The young man jumped up with
his instrument and began dancing with glee. ”So soon? How high has He rated
my worth! Look at the ground! There are so many leaves. Look at the other
trees covered by leaves, but He has counted only the leaves of this tree for
me.
Only so many births? How wonderful! I am not worthy of it. How will I bear
His grace? And how will I express my gratitude to Him?” He was mad with joy
and danced round and round the tree, and danced around Narada. He could not
contain his joy. The story goes that thus dancing, he attained samadhi. His
body fell away. What
was to have happened after infinite years happened immediately. For him who
has such patience, attainment does not take a moment longer to come.
Source: "The True Name, Vol 2 " - Osho
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