The Itchy Sage
There was once a sage named Lomasha Rishi, who was known for his extremely hairy body. Each year that he lived, a hair would fall from his body, indicating his great age. However, Lomasha Rishi was suffering from terrible itchiness, which greatly disturbed his meditation and concentration. Desperate for relief, he sought the help of a friend.
“This is ridiculous,” he complained. “I’m trying to concentrate on meditation, but I have this intolerable itching. What should I do?”
Seeking a Cure
The sage’s friend advised, “You should go to the house of the most sinful person and take his remnants.”
Without hesitation, Lomasha Rishi went to the house of Ajamila, who was known to be the most sinful person at that time. However, Ajamila was not at home, and his wife answered the door.
The Surprising Request
Seeing the sage, Ajamila’s wife thought, “Who is this person?”
“I have come for some food,” the sage requested.
Immediately, Ajamila’s wife began to prepare prasadam with the desire to please the sage and receive his blessings.
“No,” said the sage, “You don’t understand me. I want to take your husband’s remnants.”
Ajamila’s wife was very surprised that such a holy person would want to eat the remnants of food from the greatest sinner. Nevertheless, she complied and gave the sage Ajamila’s remnants.
The Cure
The sage ate the remnants, thanked the woman, and departed. As he walked away from the house, he felt the itching disappear.
Feeling grateful, Lomasha Rishi thought, “I should give this woman something in return.”
The Gift of a Holy Name
He returned to Ajamila’s house and saw the woman feeding her child. “What is the child’s name?” asked the sage.
The woman replied with a materialistic and unfavorable name. “No no,” said the sage. “Call the child Narayana.”
From that day, Ajamila, who returned home at his wife’s request, started calling his child “Narayana!”
Moral of the Story
The holy name is the greatest gift we can give to people. By naming our children with the names of Krishna, we can purify ourselves by reciting those names.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Reflection on the Story
The Power of the Holy Name:
- The story highlights the transformative power of the holy name. By calling his son Narayana, Ajamila inadvertently engaged in a practice that would bring him closer to divinity, despite his sinful past.
Acts of Kindness:
- Lomasha Rishi’s desire to give something in return for the help he received underscores the importance of gratitude and the power of small acts of kindness.
Redemption Through Divine Names:
- Even the most sinful person can find redemption through the holy name. Ajamila’s story shows that it is never too late to turn towards divinity and seek purification.
Lessons to Be Learned
- The Power of Divine Names:
- Naming children after divine beings like Krishna can have a purifying effect on those who call them by these names, embedding spirituality in daily life.
- Gratitude and Kindness:
- Acts of kindness and gratitude can have profound effects, often returning to us in unexpected ways.
- Redemption is Always Possible:
- No matter how sinful one’s past may be, turning to the divine name and seeking spiritual guidance can lead to redemption and purification.
- Sincere Efforts in Spiritual Practice:
- Even a small, sincere effort in spiritual practice, such as chanting a holy name, can have significant and transformative effects on one’s life.
Conclusion
The story of Lomasha Rishi and Ajamila teaches us about the immense power of the holy name, the importance of gratitude, and the possibility of redemption through sincere spiritual practice. It encourages us to incorporate the divine names into our lives and to perform acts of kindness and gratitude, knowing that even the smallest efforts can lead to profound transformations.
