Devotion in Simplicity
Arjunacharya and his wife were simple and humble devotees, living in a small hut. Each day, after completing his morning duties, Arjunacharya would go to the village to beg for alms. He visited only three houses each day, accepting just enough alms to sustain himself and his wife. When not begging, he spent his hours reading and writing a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.
The Forgotten Task
One day, deeply engrossed in his work, Arjunacharya forgot to go to the village for food. Realizing it was already late afternoon, he hurried out but found no food, as the village women were resting. He returned home empty-handed and resumed his study of the Bhagavad Gita. In the ninth chapter, verse 22, Lord Krishna promises:
“ananyaash cintayanto maam ye janaah paryupaasate teshaam nityaabhiyuktaanaam yoga-kshemam vahaamy aham”
“But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form — to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.”
Arjunacharya doubted this statement and scratched out the line “yoga-kshemam vahaamy aham,” questioning how the Lord could personally carry anything.
The Miraculous Delivery
Leaving for a bath, Arjunacharya missed the arrival of two boys (Krishna and Balarama) at his home. They carried loads of rice, vegetables, fruits, and butter, and handed them to Arjunacharya’s wife, saying they were disciples of her husband. She was delighted but noticed scars on their backs. The boys claimed that her husband made them work hard and beat them if they disobeyed.
When Arjunacharya returned, his wife confronted him, accusing him of mistreating the boys. Shocked and confused, he realized the boys were Krishna and Balarama. He rushed to his Bhagavad Gita and found the scratches he made on the shloka had vanished. Overcome with emotion, he wept, realizing the truth of the Lord’s words and His personal care for His devotees.
Lessons Learned
Arjunacharya and his wife were consoled by understanding that Bhagavad Gita, spoken by the Supreme Lord, is perfect and divine. They began chanting and glorifying the Lord, acknowledging the divine intervention and care they had witnessed.
Moral of the Story
Bhagavad Gita, spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is infallible and offers the best solutions to all problems. By earnestly approaching the Lord and His teachings, we can receive guidance and support. The Gita provides wisdom that surpasses all other Vedic literature, as encapsulated by Sankaracharya in Gita Mahatmya verse 7:
“gitaa su-gitaa kartavyaa kim anyaih shaastra-vistaraih yaa svayam padmanaabhasya mukha-padmaad vinihshrtaa”
“Because Bhagavad-gita is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one need not read any other Vedic literature. One need only attentively and regularly hear and read Bhagavad-gita. In the present age, people are so absorbed in mundane activities that it is not possible for them to read all the Vedic literatures. But this is not necessary. This one book, Bhagavad-gita, will suffice because it is the essence of all Vedic literatures and especially because it is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”
Invitation to Devotees
We should recognize and utilize the divine wisdom provided in the Bhagavad Gita, which is ever-present to guide us through life’s challenges. By maintaining a strong faith and devotion, we can experience the Lord’s protection and care.
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 by hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
