The Devotees’ Distraction
Once, Sant Tukaram, a great devotee of Lord Vitthaldev, was conducting a session of Hari Katha, narrating the divine pastimes of the Lord. The hall was packed with devotees, all eager to hear the spiritual teachings.
As the night wore on, Sant Tukaram, lost in devotion, continued narrating and singing with his eyes closed. Gradually, the devotees began to leave. Some, feeling sleepy, even dozed off in the hall before eventually heading home. By midnight, Sant Tukaram opened his eyes and noticed that everyone had left except for one devotee who remained seated in front of him, listening intently.
The True Motive Revealed
Sant Tukaram, impressed by the apparent dedication of this devotee, said, “You are such a nice devotee of the Lord. You have so much devotion in your heart that, although everyone has left, you are still here, relishing Hari Katha.”
However, the devotee humbly replied, “Maharaj, please do not misunderstand. I am not truly attached to Hari Katha. The reason I stayed so long is that the blanket on which you are sitting belongs to me. I have been waiting to take it back.”
Moral of the Story
It is challenging to remain engaged in Krsna Katha for long periods. Only a pure-hearted soul can relish Hari Katha constantly. Yet, hearing Krsna Katha is a crucial aspect of spiritual purification and helps in achieving the highest goal of life.
As Prahlad Maharaj says, sravanam kirtanam vishno smaranam — hearing Krsna’s pastimes is the boat by which to achieve the ultimate goal of life.
Parikshit Maharaj humbly asks in Srimad Bhagavatam (SB 10.12.42): tad bruhi me maha-yogin / param kautuhalam guro nunam etad dharer eva / maya bhavati nanyatha
“O greatest yogi, my spiritual master, kindly describe why this happened. I am very much curious to know about it. I think that it was nothing but another illusion due to Krsna.”
The pious activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are very confidential. It is not ordinarily possible to hear such activities unless one is very, very fortunate. Parikshit Maharaj listened to Srimad Bhagavatam with rapt attention for many days without eating or drinking.
For neophytes, it is difficult to wholeheartedly relish Hari Katha. During Katha, one might become sleepy, feel bored, constantly check the time, or think about other distractions such as prasadam.
Encouragement for Devotees
Hearing Krsna Katha is essential for spiritual growth. It purifies the heart and mind, paving the way to divine consciousness. Devotees are encouraged to develop a taste for hearing the pastimes of the Lord, as it brings immense spiritual benefits and ultimately leads to a deeper connection with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
PS: I humbly request all devotees to forward and share this moral/instructive story so that everyone can benefit from hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
