45 - Simplicity Of Bapashri

Bapashri used to organize Yagya quite frequently in Baladiya. Haribhaktas from various places used to attend the Yagya.

Saints also used to attend. Haribhaktas would sing Bhajans; prayers etc. Bapashri would narrate the incidents of God. Saints and Haribhaktas enjoyed Bapashri’s narratives more than Katha. Bapashri would offer savouries and sweets to the devotees who attended the Yagya.

Bapashri himself used to serve food and feed everyone affectionately. He used to serve food to the saints also with a lot of affection.

Saints requested, ‘Bapa, why dont’ you also join us? Bapashri denied politely, ‘No, I feel more comfortable at home.’ Bapashri went home. Vaalba and Radhaba asked, ‘Bapa, you are performing the Yagya. Whole village is having tasty food. If you allow, we would prepare some sweets for you.’

Bapashri replied, ‘Dear, you know that only Rotla, Khichdi, Gavar or Ratadiya and buttermilk suit me.’ Radhaba insisted, ‘Bapa, we would be glad if you have something special sometimes.’

Bapashri replied, ‘Dear! Simple food is considered Satwik. Satwik food should be taken.’ Vaalba served the food to Bapashri. Bapashri began to eat. Bapashri was about to finish his food and suddenly Vaalba realized, ‘Bapa, I forgot to give you buttermilk.’

Bapashri replied, ‘It does not matter. Give me now.’ Vaalba scolded lovingly, ‘Bapa, why don’t you ask, if we forget to serve something? You never ask for anything.’

Bapashri had buttermilk at the end and left for the temple. A Haribhakta came for his Darshan. He suggested Bapashri, ‘Bapa, you have organized such a big Yagya. At least today change your old clothes made up of coarse material. Please, wear fine clothes.’

Bapashri replied, ‘I feel comfortable in simple clothes.’ Haribhakta insisted, ‘Then please wear new clothes.’

Bapashri protested, ‘I feel hot in new clothes. I wash the new clothes first and then wear them.’ Bapashri entered the temple. A Haribhakta had brought a basket of sweets.

He offered it to Bapashri, ‘Bapa, please distribute these Prasad of sweets to everyone.’ Bapashri began to distribute. He offered the sweets to all the Haribhaktas who had attended the Yagya from a single basket.

Haribhaktas were surprised, ‘Sweets are not getting over from the basket!’ Each and everyone who had attended the Yagya received the Prasad.

Bapashri turned the basket upside down! A Haribhakta noticed, ‘Bapa, you didn’t have sweets.’ Bapashri excused, ‘Sweets do not suit me.’

Saints inquired, ‘Bapa, you never have them.’ Bapashri explained, ‘If we eat everything whatever is available, then we become addicted to them. Later on we crave for them. Therefore, desires of taste should be kept under control. It pleases Maharaj.’

Saints agreed, ‘Bapa eats simple food and wears simple clothes.’ Bapashri confirmed, ‘Simplicity pleases Maharaj.’ It was time for the Aarti. Everyone proceeded inside.

Difficult words:
Savouries - Tasty refreshments
Coarse - Rough
Addicted - Become a slave to some habit or drug etc.
Crave - Strong desire

Points to ponder:
- Anadimukta can live a life of their choice, but they prefer to live a simple life to set an example for us.
- Bapashri teaches us that simplicity is the real virtue.
- Satwik food help in the process of God realization.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. What did Bapashri organize quite frequently in Baladiya?
2. What usually happened during Yagya?
3. What did Bapashri eat at home?
4. Why did Bapashri refuse to eat sweets?

Fill in the blanks:
1. Bapashri used to narrate the incidents of ___________.
2. Bapashri used to offer __________ and ___________.
3. Simple food is considered _____________.

Arrange in proper sequence:
1. Available we is everything we become if eat addicted his then to them whatever.
2. Pleases kept it taste under desires control Maharaj of should be.