Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 04.01.2020 evening, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Monday)

Question of Paramananda: Many times we have said ‘enough is enough’. But very rarely we have actually changed the direction of our life. My question is, to what extent does it depend on our efforts to make this change – when we say ‘enough is enough’? 

Swami Tirtha: Once there was a master. And this master had a very determined, very obedient disciple. I think I’ve mentioned you this story from the Christian tradition, when the old fathers complained to the leader of the monastery: “You are partial to one young man”. Do you remember that story? Nevertheless, if somebody doesn’t know, allow me to repeat it. The father agreed: “Yes, my dear brothers, I am full of mistakes, yes”. Still he said “But come with me, let’s look around in the monastery”. So, they knocked on the door of the first disciple; he said: “Yes, I am here, what do you want?” “There is some service to do.” “Ah, right now I am chanting my rounds”. All right, they went to the next door. “Hey, there is some service, come.” The next one said: “Oh, I have received another service from my superior.” Et cetera, et cetera. Finally they came to the young man concerned. He was famous for his beautiful handwriting. They knocked on his door as well and said: “There is something to do.” And immediately that boy jumped out of the cell and ran to do the service. Then the seniors entered his room. He was also engaged in a kind of service, copying the Bible or some sacred texts. And what did they see? That he didn’t even accomplish the character ‘O’. He put it only half way, because when he heard there was something to do, he jumped. He didn’t even finish the letter. So, when the other seniors saw this example – that this young man was so ready to jump to do the service that he didn’t even accomplish one character – they asked forgiveness from the senior father: “You were right. Your love and affection for this young monk is approved. You love him properly and we also love him.” 

Remembering this story, there was another master and he had such a disciple. He was so ready to jump, to do anything, any service – always ready – so much so, that his spiritual master was ashamed. And he started to be afraid. He thought: ‘If by chance I tell him, “Jump into the well”, he will jump into the well. It’s dangerous. If I make a mistake, he will jump.’ But I think in this case no master will say, ‘Jump’. Because he knows that the guy is ready to jump. 

Yet what is the moral of this story, regarding your question? One part of spiritual success depends on our efforts. But I can say, a bigger part depends on divine mercy. As it is said, a cart cannot move on one wheel. Two wheels are necessary to move the cart. So, one is the human effort and the other is divine mercy. But if we analyze more and more: what makes our life work, what brings the success in our life? Ultimately, there is only one factor and this is the mercy, the divine power; it’s not the human efforts. We have to give whatever we can. But ultimately, it will happen – it will happen in the most perfect manner, according to the divine plan. 

Still, just like this very obedient and very surrendered disciple, we need to show our readiness. Krishna gives us the freedom to choose. But actually, there is only one good answer. And He will know what our choice is. So, if we want to improve our life, let’s show our readiness.

(to be continued)