Return Gift of Kanha's Birthday

The infant crimson rays spread out and enclosed the horizon and beyond… The mowing of the cows, the chirping of the birds, the raving of the Yamuna waves- all began to resonate in chorus to compose a divine music. Life rejuvenated in its entirety. The jingles in the air carried a joyful note all over Gokul. Yes! The joy of the residents of Gokul Village couldn't be possibly described in words that day. Indeed, it was an auspicious day, the Birthday of Kanha, their prince…

'Oh! It's my Kanhaiya's birthday…!' Sulekha Kaki woke up with a jerk. Certainly, it was her Kanha's birthday!!! He had turned into a lovely four year old. Kaki had to get ready quickly to reach Nand's palace. But…ohh... she was unable to move from her bed. She touched her forehead. She was down with fever.

With tears in her eyes, she thought of Yashoda, the mother of Kanha. Her thoughts transported her to Nand's palace- 'Yashoda must have spent last night cleaning and decorating the palace and this dawn would have brought thousand smiles on her face. Maharishi Shandilya must be performing holy yagya (ceremonies) in the open veranda of the palace…My darling Kanhaiya would soon come out…' Sulekha Kaki forced herself out of her bed. She just couldn't miss seeing the event to be held in the palace that day.

'Ahh…what a beautiful day it is!!!' The royal courtyard was already full. All hearts were pounding and awaiting their sweetheart Kanha- that mischievous smile on his divine countenance. It was just one glance of Kanha that all Gokul villagers could die for. …And there...There came the stealer of all hearts, everyone's beloved, Krishna Kanhaiya... The royal yellow robe, the curls wrapped in beads of pearls, the crown adorned with a peacock's feather, ears studded with gems, garlands made of rare stones around the neck and wrists, the anklets shimmering and royal… All hearts skipped a beat in admiration. Tears of joy rolled down the faces of the villagers on seeing their darling, who was accompanied by his mother Yashoda.

There he was, seated on a tall throne to receive the gifts from everyone. Sulekha Kaki, too, handed over her bundle of pancakes and kissed the bright forehead. Then, she stood in a corner to see Kanha receiving gifts from his dearest buddies.

The first to run was Sridama. His eyes shining and two fingers lifted, as if something precious was enclosed in them! Huff… Huff… he reached Kanha, making way through the swarm of visitors, breathing heavily and unable to speak a word. The little gopas, there, understood everything. Kanha gently held Sridama's fingers and marked the veneration on his own forehead. And lo... the villagers saw the mark on Kanha's forehead. It was not red or pink or yellow but deep brown in colour!! Hmm... So, Sridama had gifted Kanhaiya a pinch of fresh cow dung!! Nay, the love between the two had multiplied the dung's worth by a million.

Thereafter, it was Bhadra's turn. He too ran to Kanha. His gift was wrapped in a towel across his neck. Eagerly the two friends untied the knot and brought out ten smooth, round pebbles. 'Today, we will use these pebbles to play!!!' Kanha exclaimed with joy. Then came another buddy, Mahabala. In his fist, he was holding a thin stick with a flag on the top. With utmost care, he handed over his gift to his dearest playmate.

Ahh! What a sight of innocence and hilarity!!! Kanha was literally jumping, feeling rich with the newly gifted precious items by his friends.

Mother Yashoda, then, lovingly pulled out a large platter full of beautiful gems, precious stones, pearls, and jewels. 'Come Kanha, pick something for your friends. Wouldn't you like to give them some return gifts?'

Kanha looked at the plate thoughtfully. With a finger on his chin, he evaluated each item on the plate for a little while. Gold, silver, pearls...Hmmm…none could stand in comparison to the invaluable gifts that he had received from his friends.

'I know what to give!!!' Finally, Kanha got an idea. Stepping over the platter, kicking the pearls and the gems, he ran towards his buddies with his heart full of love. His arms playfully flung around Sridama's neck, tightly hugged Bhadra to his bosom, and, then, lifted Mahabala onto his shoulders delightfully … 'Hey! I am yours. Your Eternal Gift!'

Making Of A Disciple

Doku was the son of a swordsman. But, he couldn't win his father's confidence of being a good swordsman. Gripped by the feelings of humiliation and anger, he left his father's place in search of someone who could make him perfect in the art of swordsmanship.

After a long hunt, he came across a master who was adept in swordsmanship.

Manzo had excelled the art in all respects. Doku approached Manzo and said, “Master, will you teach me the art of playing with swords? I must tell you that I am not a novice in this field. I know quite a lot. But, still my father has rejected me saying that my skill lacks perfection. So, I have come to you to become perfect in this art. Please tell, when would you commence the training?” Doku's impatience was clearly evident. Along with that was also evident his ego, which brought him an unpleasant response from the Master. Manzo looked at Doku and said, “I confirm your father's assessment about you. You truly don't seem to be fit for learning this art. And, so, I refuse to accept you as my student.” Doku stood shell-shocked upon hearing those words. As if, he was hit by thunder lightning a thousand times! With stony eyes, he looked at Manzo. The Master also looked at him and said, “You may go now.”

The arrow of rejection had hit the right place, throwing an attack on the monster of ego that had seized Doku's mind and heart. Doku laid in the master's feet, crying for his refuge.

Tenet No. 1) For Sadhaks (disciples of a Perfect Spiritual Master): Ego is a major stumbling block on the path of spirituality. It must be forsaken to receive the grace of the Master.

Manzo: Ok, I grant your request.

Doku: Pardon me for asking one thing, O Master. My father is getting old and so I need to go back to him after learning this art in the shortest possible time. I am ready to undergo any hardship. In that case, how long will it take to attain mastery in this art?

Manzo: 30 years.

Doku (surprisingly): Thirty long years! …If I practice far more intensely and with utmost dedication, then how long will it take?

Manzo: 70 years or, perhaps, your whole life!

Doku's face clearly expressed his confusion and inability to grasp the import of the Master's words. He stood with folded hands but his questioning eyes were repeatedly asking for an explanation.

Manzo: The answer to the 'why' resounding in your inner being is that the one who is in a hurry, as you are, to get the results seldom learns quickly.

Doku (once again realised his mistake): Forgive this ignorant one, Sir! I surrender myself to you.

Tenet No. 2): Patience is an essential pre-requisite to achieve the results; for, Guru knows when and what is to be given to his disciple.

Manzo: You will have to strictly follow as and what I say.

Doku: I promise you, Master.

Manzo: From today onwards, it is your duty to cook the food, wash all the utensils and clothes, clean the hermitage, and give water to the plants.

Doku (without an iota of hesitation): Sure, Master.

Manzo: So, go and take charge of your duties right now.

Doku: Yes, Master

Doku did not say that just for the sake of saying. He did what he said. He dedicated himself fully in carrying out the order of his Master.Day and night, he was seen engrossed in fulfilling the duties that were allotted to him. Only one thought echoed in his mind that there should be no mistake in the Master's work. And, it was the result of this dedication and hard-work that he never gave anyone a single chance to complain.

Manzo's eyes were keeping a constant watch over Doku's inner being to keep track of the answers to these questions. But, Doku's undivided faith and surrender in the feet of his Master did not let him fall this time. Doku's dedication and surrender won the Master's heart, who did not get to hear 'Yes' even once in answer to the questions that were meant to test Doku's faith.

Tenet No. 3): Hard-work, dedication, and faith are the jewels of a disciple which enhance his inner beauty and make him win the love and insurmountable grace of the Master.

But, what's that? Where Doku's dedication and surrender deserved reward from the Master, there he started receiving terrific blows of swords every day. Every day, Manzo would hit Doku with a wooden sword and Doku tried to protect himself from the unexpected attacks. This activity continued for weeks together. Hardly a day passed when this strange thing didn't happen. But, not even once did any ill-feeling arise in Doku's heart for the Master's peculiar behaviour.

After a couple of weeks, one day, Manzo called Doku in his room. Doku entered the room with folded hands fearing that he must have made some mistake. But, his happiness knew no bounds when he saw a beautiful smile on the Master's face. Manzo caressed him and said, “My dear son! Today I declare you as the greatest swordsman in the world, as there is no stroke that can defeat you, whatsoever it may be! You have learnt to defend yourself from every possible attack that can be made by the opponent. Now you can go to your father, who will be greatly happy to see a new Doku in front of him… perfectly suitable for becoming his heir.”

Tenet no. 4): Always remember! Even the hits and blows of the Master are in the favour of a disciple. They are not meant to harm him; instead, they are a blessing in disguise, which are meant to make him perfect!