The Journey Through the Forest
Once, Birbal, a minister in the court of Akbar, accompanied the emperor on an official journey. Birbal, known for his sharp intellect, was also a devout follower of Sri Rama. As they traveled, their route led them through a dense forest.
The Hunger and the Disagreement
After hours of traveling, both Birbal and Akbar were exhausted and famished. They decided to rest under the shade of a tree. Akbar, driven by hunger, wanted to search for food and urged Birbal to join him. However, Birbal was deeply engrossed in Rama Nama Japam (repetition of Rama’s name) and declined Akbar’s request.
Akbar scoffed at Birbal’s devotion, saying, “Mere chanting of the names of the Lord will not fetch you food. You have to put in your efforts. You cannot achieve anything without self-effort.”
Akbar’s Effort
Ignoring Birbal’s stance, Akbar set off in search of food. Soon, he found a house and approached it. The occupants, delighted to see their king at their doorstep, welcomed him warmly and offered him a lavish meal. After satisfying his hunger, Akbar took some food for Birbal and returned to the resting spot.
The Divine Provision
When Akbar reached Birbal, he handed him the food, saying, “See Birbal, I told you. I took some efforts for the food and I got it. You were just sitting and chanting Rama Nama, and you did not get any food.”
Birbal, unfazed by Akbar’s taunt, accepted the food and ate it. After finishing his meal, he looked at Akbar and said, “I have just now experienced the power of Rama Nama like never before. You are the ruler of the land. But today, even the King had to beg for food. But look at me. I was just chanting Rama Nama here, and the Rama Nama made the king himself get me food, that too by begging. So I got the food just by sitting here and chanting Rama Nama without any other special efforts. Such is the power of Rama Nama!”
Moral of the Story
The Power of the Lord’s Name: The story beautifully illustrates the power of the Lord’s name. The Lord’s name is an aspect of Him that we can always keep with us, drawing strength and support whenever we need it. This is why nama japa (repetition of the Lord’s name) is considered crucial in spiritual life.
The Glory of the Lord’s Name: The Lord’s form may be with Him, but His name can stay with us. Just like an object whose form remains with it, but its name can be remembered by us, the Lord’s name holds immense importance. Knowing the name of an object or person brings them to our mind’s eye, even if they are not physically present.
Remembering the Lord’s Name: Just as we recognize the value of a diamond ring only when we know what it is, similarly, the name of the Lord helps us realize His worth and presence. When we remember and chant His name, it projects His form and essence before our mind’s eye, bringing us closer to Him.
The Lord’s Loving Response: Chanting the Lord’s name with devotion has the power to melt His heart and bring His grace upon us. Just like a loving mother responds to her child’s call, the all-compassionate Lord will come running to us when we sincerely call upon Him, embrace us, and shower His blessings upon us.
Conclusion
The story of Birbal and Akbar in the forest teaches us the profound power and importance of chanting the Lord’s name. It shows that while self-effort is important, the divine name has the power to provide for us and bring the Lord’s grace into our lives. By remembering and chanting the Lord’s name with devotion, we can draw closer to Him and receive His boundless love and blessing
