A Selfless Rescue
One day, a sadhu went to the river to bathe. There, he noticed a scorpion struggling in the water. Scorpions cannot swim, and the sadhu knew that if he did not save the scorpion, it would drown. Carefully picking up the scorpion, the sadhu rescued it from drowning and was just about to set it down gently on land when the scorpion stung his finger.
Repeated Efforts
In pain, the sadhu instinctively flung his hand, and the scorpion went flying back into the river. As soon as the sadhu regained his composure from the sting, he again lifted the scorpion out of the water. Again, before he could set the scorpion safely on land, the creature stung him. This drama went on for several minutes.
The Hunter’s Advice
A hunter watched as the sadhu carefully and gingerly lifted the creature out of the water, only to fling it back in as he convulsed in pain from each fresh sting. Finally, the hunter said to the sadhu, “Forgive me for my frankness, but it is clear that the scorpion is going to continue to sting you each and every time you carry it to safety. Why don’t you give up and just let it drown?”
The Sadhu’s Response
The sadhu replied, “My dear child, the scorpion is not stinging me out of malice or evil intent. Just as it is water’s nature to make me wet, so it is the scorpion’s nature to sting. He doesn’t realize that I am carrying him to safety. That is a level of conscious comprehension greater than what his brain can achieve. But just as it is the scorpion’s nature to sting, so it is my nature to save. Just as he is not leaving his nature, why should I leave my nature? My dharma is to help any creature, human or animal. Why should I let a small scorpion rob me of the divine nature which I have cultivated through years of sadhana?”
Moral of the Story
This story teaches us about the nature of true compassion and dharma. Many times, we are insulted or hurt by friends, colleagues, or relatives. These acts may be subtle, like a friend or colleague speaking negatively about us behind our back. We feel agitated and angry, often wanting to take revenge. As a result, our own actions, words, and thoughts become driven by anger and pain. We find ourselves engaged in thoughts of revenge, which only harm us by allowing negative emotions to dominate.
The Importance of Upholding Our Dharma
Our dharma is to be kind, pure, honest, loving, giving, sharing, and caring to everyone we encounter. Our thoughts and words should always be pleasing to others. Others, due to ignorance or lack of understanding, may act with malice or selfishness, but we must not let their actions deprive us of fulfilling our dharma.
In this material world, we often focus on finding faults in others and seeking revenge. We never admit our mistakes and always blame others for any issues we face. We encounter people who harm us, insult us, and plot against us, whose actions seem calculated to thwart our goals.
Lessons from Srimad Bhagavatam
The Srimad Bhagavatam verses 3.1.15 and 16 teach us how Vidura controlled his insult from Duryodhana without uttering a word in return. He just left the palace, accepting it as Krishna’s benediction. Duryodhana said:
“Who asked him to come here, this son of a kept mistress? He is so crooked that he spies in the interest of the enemy against those on whose support he has grown up. Toss him out of the palace immediately and leave him with only his breath.”
“Thus being pierced by arrows through his ears and afflicted to the core of his heart, Vidura placed his bow on the door and quit his brother’s palace. He was not sorry, for he considered the acts of the external energy to be supreme.”
Conclusion and Prayer
May we remember to uphold our dharma of compassion and kindness, regardless of how others treat us. Let us not allow the negative actions of others to rob us of our divine nature.
Prayer
O Lord, help me to remain true to my nature of compassion and kindness. Guide me to act with love and understanding, even when faced with malice and deceit. Grant me the strength to uphold my dharma and to cultivate divine qualities through my sadhana. May I always remember Your teachings and live a life of service and devotion.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
