The Brahmana’s Rebirth Once, there was a Brahmana who had a wife and three daughters. He took good care of them. Suddenly, one day, the Brahmana died. His wife and children lamented over his death. Meanwhile, the Brahmana was reborn as a golden swan. Because of his good fortune, he could remember his previous life. Wanting to see how his family was getting along, he flew to the village where his previous life’s family lived.
Lesson: The actions and attachments from our past lives can follow us into our next life, influencing our thoughts and actions.
The Swan’s Generosity The swan saw that his family was in poor condition and begging for a living. Out of attachment, he wanted to help them. He flew to them and told them that he was their husband and father, reborn as a swan. He promised to give them one of his golden feathers every week, which they could sell to maintain themselves. The swan delivered a golden feather every week, and his previous life’s family became rich in due course.
Lesson: Acts of kindness and charity, even in unexpected forms, can uplift and support those in need.
The Wife’s Greed Despite their newfound wealth, the swan’s wife grew greedy and decided to pluck all the feathers of the golden swan, doubting that the swan might cheat them. The next time the swan came, she caught his neck and plucked all his feathers forcibly. Suddenly, all the golden feathers turned into white feathers. The swan explained that if the feathers were plucked forcibly, they would not be golden.
Lesson: Greed and distrust can lead to actions that ultimately destroy the very source of our prosperity and happiness.
The Swan’s Lament and Death Frustrated and realizing her mistake, the wife threw the swan away. The swan, lamenting his foolishness in trying to help his family, died a slow death.
Lesson: Unjust actions driven by greed not only harm others but also lead to one’s own downfall and regret.
Moral of the Story: In the Srimad Bhagavatam, there is a prayer from Lord Brahma in 3.9.6: “tavad bhayam dravina deha suhrn nimmittam sokah sprha paribhavo vipulas ca lobhah tavan mamety asad avagraha arti mulam yavan na te ‘nghrim abhayam pravrnita lokah:”
“O my Lord, people of the world are embarrassed by all material anxieties—they are always afraid. They always try to protect wealth, body, and friends. They are filled with lamentation and unlawful desires and paraphernalia, and they avariciously base their undertakings on the perishable conceptions of ‘my’ and ‘mine.’ As long as they do not take shelter of Your lotus feet, they are full of such anxieties.”
This verse emphasizes that as long as we remain attached to material possessions and relationships, we will be plagued by fear, sorrow, and greed. Only by taking shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet can we find true peace and freedom from anxiety.
Prayer
Hare Krishna Mahamantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
PS: I humbly request all devotees to please forward and share these moral/instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefited by hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
