Renunciation of fruit: Two examples
16. This joy in action, saints
have illustrated in their lives. Shivaji, the king, had great regard
for Saint Tukaram. Once he sent a palanquin to fetch Tukaram and
made arrangements to receive him with honor. But Tukaram was deeply
distressed by these preparations. He thought to himself, "Is
this the reward for my devotion? Is it for this that I worship
God?" It seemed to him as if the Lord, by placing this fruit
for worldly honor in his hands, was pushing him away. He said:
"You know my heart; do you wish
to get rid of this trouble from me? Wicked is this trick of yours,
Pandurang!"
"My Lord, this plan of yours is far
from good. You are trying to put me away with a little red bead. You
perhaps think you can get rid of the bother in this way. But after
all, I am not the disciple of such a poor teacher. I shall cling to
your feet and let go. Devotion is the svadharma of the
devotee; and the art of his life is to see that the tree of devotion
does not put forth branches bearing other fruit."
17. The life of Pundalik shows us an even more profound ideal
of renunciation. Pundalik looked after his parents and served them.
Being pleased with such service, the Lord Pandurang came running to
greet him. But Pundalik would not be beguiled by Pandurang, and
refused to give up his duty of service. Serving his father and
mother was for him worship of God, true bhakti. If a boy were
to rob others and cherish his parents or a patriot to be treacherous
to other nations in his country's interests, the devotion of either
could not be called bhakti.
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