Receive the knowledge of the Supreme
Once a disciple went to a preceptor and requested him to impart to
him the Supreme knowledge of the Omniself (Brahma Thathwam). The Guru
gave him a mantra and asked him to chant it continually without any
selfish desire. The Guru told him that after he had done this sadhana
for one whole year he could come to receive the knowledge of the
Supreme (Brahma Jnana).
The disciple approached his Guru after one year and told him "Oh
revered one! I have recited the mantra for one whole year". He was
eagerly awaiting the preceptor's answer. He thought that his Guru
would certainly impart to him the knowledge of the Supreme. Just then,
unaware of the presence of the disciple, the maid servant was sweeping
the ashram premises and the dust from the ground fell on the young
man. The disciple flew into a rage, because he had come to the ashram
after a sacred bath and the dust had sullied his body. He looked at
her with anger and the maid was filled with fear. The Preceptor was
watching the entire scene.
The Guru said "you are not competent to receive the knowledge. You got
angry with the maid servant who unwittingly caused some dust to fall
on you. How can Brahma Jnana be imparted to one, who has not that much
of endurance? Go back and practice the Sadhana for one more year".
At the end of the second year the disciple was about to enter the
ashram. According to the instructions of the Guru the maid servant
once again let the dust fall on the disciple in full measure. The
disciple grew indignant and wanted to beat her, but somehow, refrained
from doing so.
The disciple approached the Guru and paid his respect. The Guru told
him: "You are still not competent to receive the knowledge. Last year
you exhibited the qualities of a snake and now those of a dog. Come
back after ridding yourself of these animal qualities".
At the end of the third year, the disciple entered the ashram premises
after taking a sacred bath. As per the instructions of the Guru the
maid servant poured some dirty water on the disciple. The disciple
calmly offered his salutations to the maid and said, "Mother! I offer
my salutation to you. You have helped me to acquire the greatest
virtue, forbearance. Now I am worthy enough to receive the grace of my
Guru. I shall always be grateful to you".
As soon as the disciple prostrated before the Guru, the Guru
endearingly said: "Son! Now you are quite competent to receive the
knowledge of the Supreme".
Category: Chinna Katha
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