________________
PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
Thousands of poor people have become very rich Millions of people have been sumptuously fed Jewels and clothes have been distributed in abundance The world has never witnessed such wonderful sacrifice Get thee gone, O miserable wretch, O foolish mongoose!"
The mongoose replied “My dear sirs, don't be annoyed with me unnecessarily Just hear my words with patience. There was a poor Brahmin in a small village. He lived in a small hut with his wife, son and daughter-in-law There was a great famine The whole family suffered for months. They were starving for days together. One day the poor man brought some rice and dhal When they were ready to take their meals, they heard a voice at their door The Brahmin opened the door and found a guest He said "O venerable guest, come inside. Take your seat and your food.' He gave his portion of the food to the guest. The guest said “Sir, my hunger is not satisfied I am starving for the last fifteen days 'The wife said to her husband. 'My lord, here is my share Kindly give him this portion of food I am thy Ardhangini. It is my duty to share with you the weal and woe of life The Sastras and Smritis declare like this emphatically. The guest ate this portion also, but still his hunger was not appeased. The son said 'Dear father, I must do my duty to you, otherwise people will criticise me. I must please you in the fulfilment of you holy wish. Give him my share also 'The guest
314
