OM NAMO DHEERODHATHA THEJAYA NAMAHA YOGI, THE MEDITATOR🔗

There was an ashram close to the chain of mountains covered by thick forests. Several tribal families were living in the forest depending on it for their livelihood. The ashram belonged to a great Rishi. To learn under his guidance young brahmacharies come from all over the world.

A group of fifteen disciples who were about to complete their spiritual, philosophical and other related education, were sitting along with another group of junior aspirants and were discussing yoga and meditation. During conversation some of the junior disciples commented on the great meditators and finally expressed that their seniors were also great meditators. Seniors felt very happy and they were hiding the rays of pride beneath dignified smiles. Exactly at that time Swamiji came and enquired "what are you discussing so intensively". All stood up and wished him. One of them replied, "Swamiji! We are talking about the great meditators in the world."

Another disciple said, "Swamiji, you might have met many great meditators. Can you tell us about such meditators?

Swamiji replied, "Sure! But not now. Come let us go to the tribal village to collect 'Veena' that we ordered last month. All followed Swamiji, on the way he explained to them about the socio-economic life of tribals, their innocence, ignorance and religious beliefs. Disciples understood that tribals were illiterates and didn't know civilized life.

They came close to the village. Close to their path under a tree a tribal young man was involved in making final touches to a beautiful veena.

One of the disciples said, "Swamiji! He is Raju. He is an illiterate tribal man, but he learned the art of making veena. He is not even a classical musician, but makes excellent veenas. People come from far away areas to buy veenas from him. We also gave order to him."

Swamiji smiled and walked close to him. But these disciples didn't know that the tribal man learnt that art from their Swamiji only. Raju was so involved in the work that their conversation or their footsteps did not disturb him. Swamiji was looking at his work and involvement with great affection. But the disciples were burning with anger because Swamiji was standing close to him but he was not standing and not showing any respect.

One disciple burst with anger "How dare he is! Can't he see our Swamy. He is too proud". He was about to say something more, but Swamiji stopped him with a sign.

Suddenly a big cobra came passing under his arms and over his laps to the other side, but Raju was not disturbed. When the disciples noticed such a big cobra they shouted with fear and took a few steps backward. To that sound Raju was disturbed. He was surprised and excited in happiness to see his Swamy so close to him. Immediately he touched the feet of Swamiji.

Now the snake turned its direction towards Swamiji and Raju. Both didn't move. The snake touched Swamiji's feet and disappeared into the forest.

Swamiji said, "Raju are you not afraid?" Raju replied with folded hands, "No Swamiji! I am in my Gods presence."

The disciples shivering with fear became normal. They reflected on their behavour when they saw the snake. But it was a common, natural tendency of human beings. For them Raju was appearing as more than a normal man as he did not show that reaction.

Swamiji turned to his disciples and said, "You asked me about a great meditator. Here he, Raju, a great meditator I found in my life. He gave the definition of devotion and meaning of meditation."

Swamiji blessed Raju with his divine smile and infinite love. All returned to the ashram with happiness in heart, a beautiful veena in hands and a good lesson in their mind.