Rahim’s Devotion and Charity:
Rahim, a devout follower of Krishna, was known for his boundless charity. He consistently gave donations with a humble heart, always lowering his eyes during the act of giving. He believed that he was not the true giver but merely an instrument through which Krishna’s blessings were being distributed. His aim was to ensure that his charitable actions were performed selflessly, without any desire for recognition or gratitude.
The Deceptive Letter:
One day, a deceitful individual sent a letter to Rahim, claiming to be from Krishna. The letter instructed Rahim to give 1,000 gold coins to a certain person, and it was signed with Krishna’s name. Understanding the possibility of deception, Rahim’s assistant, or munim, was skeptical and protested against following the letter’s instructions.
Rahim’s Response:
Despite the doubt, Rahim instructed his munim to give not just 1,000, but 1,100 gold coins to the person. When asked why he chose to go beyond the letter’s command, Rahim explained that even though the letter was a forgery, he wished to honor it as if it were genuinely from Krishna. He reasoned that by respecting this false letter, he might be worthy of receiving a true message from Krishna in the future. He feared that by dismissing the false letter, he might miss the opportunity to receive genuine guidance from the Lord.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Selfless Charity: Rahim’s approach teaches us the value of selflessness in giving. By lowering his eyes and not seeking acknowledgment, he exemplified pure, unselfish charity.
- Faith and Respect: Rahim’s act of honoring the deceptive letter shows his deep faith and respect for Krishna. It underscores the importance of honoring all forms of divine instruction with sincerity, regardless of their source.
- Openness to Divine Grace: Rahim’s willingness to accept and act on the false letter reflects his openness to divine grace. He showed that by honoring even seemingly insignificant or deceptive communications, one might remain receptive to genuine divine blessings.
Teachings from Srila Prabhupada’s Books:
- Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 9.22: “To those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.” Srila Prabhupada emphasizes that devotion and humility open the door to receiving divine guidance and blessings.
- Srimad Bhagavatam 4.22.35: “One who is engaged in devotional service is not affected by the allurements of material nature.” Rahim’s story illustrates that genuine devotion and selflessness transcend material considerations and foster a deeper connection with the divine.
Prayer:
“Dear Lord Krishna, please grant us the selflessness and devotion exemplified by Rahim. Help us to serve others without attachment to the outcome and to honor Your guidance with sincere faith. May we remain open to Your divine grace, whether it comes through visible or hidden forms. Let our actions be a reflection of Your will and our hearts always be aligned with Your divine purpose. Jai Sri Krishna!”
