Upakhyan (Anecdote)
The sun was setting and the all-encompassing darkness of the night was approaching. A dim, flickering lamp came forward and called out to Sun, "O Lord, please proceed. Just as you have taken an oath to never stop and move on forever, I have taken an oath too. In your absence, I will try to fight with darkness with all my might." Hearing his assurance Sun god smilingly set, praising the bravery of the tiny lamp.
Those who dare to fight for righteousness always win praise. The efforts may seem small, but these small efforts by many compassionate beings can bring about the change of an era.
Hrudaysparshi Katha [Story, that touches our heart]
An Industrious Teacher
The whole kingdom of Malwa was in a grave danger. Huns had destroyed the temples of Mathura and were steadily moving towards the border of Malwa, ready to intrude. King Yashovarma of Malwa was a very able and brave king and today was the time to take action. However, king's hands were tied. Bhaskar, the chief astrologer of the court had announced, "O king! Have patience. My calculation says that planetary positions are indicating sorrows and grief. I am arranging for some special prayers that would solve the problem."
The king's court was filled with famous astrologers. He had a great belief in astrology. And why not? He had witnessed many of their predictions for the future come true. Unfortunately his strong belief today was forcing him to inaction when an immediate action was the need of the hour. Bhanumitra, the chief minister of the state was pained to see the king enslaved by this weakness. He tried his best to awaken the king's valour and remind him of his duties. The king was also caught in two minds. On one side the minister's words would stir up his bravery, but on the other side the fatal positions of Mars and Saturn would dissuade him.
Yashovarma, Bhanumitra and Bhaskar were out early in the morning for a walk. They noticed a farmer with a plough driving his oxen to the fields. He seemed to be in a joyous mood. The astrologer as was his wont began to do his calculations and asked the farmer, "Which way are you headed? If your field is towards the south, don't go there. You may suffer losses. South is the inauspicious direction this week." The farmer asked, "What is an inauspicious direction?" The king and the astrologer were surprised at his naivety. When Bhaskar explained, the farmer replied, "I go to work everyday and plough my fields in all directions. If one direction is inauspicious every week, I should have been devastated till now."
"I think, you are very lucky indeed. Show me your hands!" said Bhaskar referring to his palms as he was a good palm-reader too. The farmer extended his arm with palms facing down. Bhaskar was irritated and shouted, "Idiot, don't you know that lines on the palm have to be read." The farmer said, "Sir, palms are shown by only those who beg for alms. I am a farmer, and a servant of Lord Mahakal. The lines of my palm are scared of my belief in my duty. When I take out my plough, they go and hide in a corner. Why do you want to see these worthless lines?" Yashovarma woke up from sleep. It is well documented in the history that the brave soldiers of Malwa destroyed the mighty Hun army. |
