Ramlal’s Quest for Water
Once in a village in India, there lived a young man named Ramlal. Full of enthusiasm, he set out to dig a well. Selecting a good spot, he cheerfully began his work, humming a tune. After digging 15 cubits, he saw no sign of water and decided to rest for a while before continuing.
The Stranger’s Advice
Just then, another man came along and asked Ramlal what he was doing. Ramlal explained that he had dug 15 cubits without finding any water. The stranger told Ramlal that he knew of a place where one would strike water within minutes. Trusting the stranger, Ramlal followed him to the new spot and began digging again. After digging another 15 cubits, there was still no sign of water.
The Next Advisor
Soon, another man appeared and claimed to know a spot where water would gush out in torrents. Ramlal, hopeful once more, followed him and started digging. After several hours and digging 30 cubits deep, the only water that gushed out was his sweat. Frustrated but still hopeful, Ramlal heeded the advice of yet another passerby and dug 20 more cubits at another spot. Still, there was not even a trickle of water.
Pyarelal’s Wisdom
As Ramlal sat in frustration, his friend Pyarelal came by and heard the whole story. Ramlal explained that he had sunk a total of 85 cubits in various spots. Pyarelal said, “If you had sunk those 85 cubits in one place, you would have struck water anywhere in the village, even under a rocky surface.”
Moral of the Story
This story reminds us of the following verse from Srimad Bhagavad Gita 2.41:
“vyavasaayaatmika buddhir / ekeha kuru nandana bahu shakha hy anantaas cha / buddhayo ’vyavasaayinaam”
“Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one. O beloved child of the Kurus, the intelligence of those who are irresolute is many-branched.”
In the story, Ramlal was not resolute in his purpose. His intelligence was many-branched and irresolute, as he heeded the advice of several passersby. Had he been determined and stuck to digging in one place, he would have surely succeeded.
The Importance of Resolute Purpose
In the same way, to obtain the divine nectar of Krishna Prema, we must be resolute. We should not get carried away by the advice of false gurus and materialistic persons. We should be firmly fixed in devotional service, executing it with full sincerity and strong faith. By Krishna Consciousness, one can be elevated to the highest perfection of life, Krishna Prema. This faith, as Srila Prabhupada terms it, is Vyavasaayaatmika Intelligence.
Conclusion and Prayer
Let us remain steadfast in our spiritual practices and devotion, not swayed by distractions or misleading advice. By maintaining our focus and determination, we can achieve the ultimate goal of life.
Prayer
O Lord, grant me the wisdom and strength to remain resolute in my purpose. Help me to focus my efforts and not be swayed by distractions or false advice. May I be firmly fixed in my devotion to You, executing my service with sincerity and strong faith. Guide me on the path to achieving Krishna Prema, the highest perfection of life.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
