27 - Blessings Of God Through Drops Of Water

It so happened one day. Bhaishri was sitting on a cot in the orchard. A Haribhakta went there and bowed down to Bhaishri.

Bhaishri asked, ‘What is the purpose of your visit?’ Haribhakta replied, ‘Bhai, I have taken a vow. If you permit me, I want to fulfill it.’ Bhaishri consented, ‘What is it? Tell me.’

Haribhakta informed, ‘I have taken a vow to offer food to all the ladies of the village.’ Bhaishri said, ‘It is a very good idea.’ Haribhakta was pleased, ‘Bhai, can I fix the date?’ asked he. Bhaishri asked, ‘Bhagat, When you will offer food to the ladies, what would their children eat? Don’t you feel that they would be left alone at home?’

Haribhakta said thoughtfully, ‘Bhai, I did not think about the kids.’ Bhaishri explained, ‘Children at home would cry. First we should offer food to the kids. Children are innocent. They are Nirgun (free from good or bad attributes).

Haribhakta listened carefully. Bhaishri continued, ‘God is pleased if we offer food to children.’ Haribhakta understood, ‘Bhai, You are right. I will invite all the ladies along with their children.’ said he. Bhaishri was pleased.

On the day of feast, Haribhakta went to Bhaishri. He invited Bhaishri, ‘Bhai, Please join us to bless us all.’ Bhaishri accepted the invitation, ‘Please, call me when children are ready to have food.’ said he. All the children sat down in a row.

They were talking among themselves. Bhima said, ‘Bapa is very fond of me.’ Jadva said, ‘Bapa is more affectionate to me then you.’ Laxmi declared, ‘Bapa is mine. I am his most favourite.’ Heerji denied, ‘No, that is not true. Bapa is attached to only me. He never scolds me.’

Bhimji spoke, ‘Once I commited a mistake, but he did not scold me. He lovingly explained me. Bapa belongs to me only. Khimji announced proudly, ‘Whenever I go to meet Bapa, he takes me on his lap and gives me sweets.’ The yongest Karsan from the last row declared firmly, ‘Bapa is mine, mine, only mine!’

Bhaishri was standing behind their back and listening to their conversation. He came in front and said lovingly, ‘Bapa belongs to you all now stop discussion.’ Children bowed down to Bhaishri.

Bhaishri asked for a jug of water. He dipped his hand in it and recited the name of God. Then he sprinkled the water on children. He blessed them saying, ‘Even a single drop of this water would liberate you.

Children were very happy. Bhaishri said, ‘Now have your food.’ Children enjoyed their food.

Difficult words:
Vow - A solemn and binding promise
Attributes - Qualities.

Points to ponder:
- Bhaishri always remembered children.
- Here it is clearly indicated that children are very fond of Bhaishri. Every child considers him as his own and he feels that Bhaishri is the most affectionate towards him. This is the characteristic of an Anadimukta. He showers affection on each and everybody, so that everybody feels that Bhaishri belongs to him only.
- When Mukta is pleased, he can liberate even through a drop of water.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. Whom did Haribhakta want to offer food? What did Bhaishri suggest to him?
2. What did children feel about Bhaishri?
3. How did Bhaishri bless children for the salvation?

Fill in the blanks:
1. When you invite _________________ for the food where would their ____________ go for food?
2. Children are ___________ and ___________ form of God.
3. If we offer food to the children ___________ is pleased.
4. Even a __________ of this water will __________ you.