The Learned Brahmana
There was a very learned Brahmana Pandit who was highly respected for his knowledge and expertise in Vedic rituals. His reputation as a scholar earned him great respect from the community.
The Dutiful Cowherd Girl
A young cowherd girl named Lakshmi lived on the other side of the river. She woke up early every morning, bathed the cows, milked them, cooked for her elderly father, and then set out to deliver milk. She always prayed that the boatman would arrive on time so she could deliver the milk to the Brahmana before sunrise.
The Delay and the Brahmana’s Annoyance
One day, the boatman was late, and as a result, Lakshmi was late in delivering the milk. The Brahmana requested her to bring the milk before sunrise the next day. However, the following day, the boatman was late again, and Lakshmi was late once more. The Brahmana, annoyed, scolded her.
The Brahmana’s Proud Words
Lakshmi explained that she needed the boatman to cross the river. The Brahmana, in his pride, told her, “Do you know how much I have read, how much scholars respect me, and now I am disregarded by a mere milkmaid? People cross the ocean of life by chanting the name of Hari, and you can’t even cross a small river!”
Lakshmi’s Devotion
Lakshmi took his words seriously and thought, “I wish Panditji had told me this solution earlier.” The next day, she arrived very early and greeted the Brahmana. Surprised, he asked how she managed to come so early. She innocently replied, “The way you told me, Panditji, by chanting the name of Hari.” She then walked back over the water and called him to follow.
The Brahmana’s Fall
Panditji followed her but was more concerned about keeping his silk dhoti dry than chanting the holy name. Eventually, he fell into the river. The cowherd girl remarked, “Oh Panditji, you were not thinking of Hari at all.” The Brahmana realized that he had been proud of his learning and lacked pure devotion to the Lord.
The Moral of the Story
The story illustrates that only through pure, loving devotion can one achieve the mercy of the Supreme Lord. The weeds of pratistha (desire for recognition) must be uprooted; otherwise, it will lead to superficial devotion. The Panditji, despite his extensive knowledge of the scriptures, lacked true faith in the name of God. In contrast, the uneducated cowherd girl had full faith and devotion to the Holy Name and was able to cross the river effortlessly. Her sole aim was to perform her duty sincerely and satisfy her master.
Supporting Verse from Srimad Bhagavatam
There is a verse from Srimad Bhagavatam (11.14.22):
dharmah satya-dayopeto / vidyaa vaa tapasaanvitaa mad-bhaktyaapetam aatmaanam / na samyak prapunaati hi
“Neither religious activities endowed with honesty and mercy nor knowledge obtained with great penance can completely purify one’s consciousness if they are bereft of loving service to Me.”
Reflection
This verse is very apt, as it highlights that devotional service should be performed to please Krishna, not for recognition or praise from others. True devotion is characterized by selflessness and a sincere desire to serve the Lord. The general tendency is to seek recognition for our work, but real devotional service is about pleasing Krishna without any desire for personal gain.
Let’s pray to Lord Krishna to shower His mercy upon us so that we develop a taste for chanting the Holy Name and engage in devotional service with pure, loving devotion.
