Story

Faith

Kiran was the only son of his parents. He was obedient and well behaved at home and school. He won the love of his elders and teachers by his gentle behaviour and pleasing manners.

Though only 10 years old, Kiran took a keen interest in what his parents did. His father was a very honest person and his mother was deeply devoted to God and kind and helpful to the needy. Kiran loved his parents and was proud of them. But he always wondered why they gave so much attention and importance to God. Now and then he would ask his mother, “Ma, why should Pitaji go to Shivji’s temple every Sunday for the satsangh? What do you gain by meditation with closed eyes every morning and night? Why do you do that endless puja with manthras and prayers to Durga Devi every day?

Kiran’s mother would only smile in reply. She would silently pray: “Durga-Ma, Kiran is ignorant but innocent. Please bless him with faith and devotion.”

One evening, when Kiran returned home from school, his neighbours gave him a shocking news.His father had met with an accident and was lying unconscious in the hospital since morning. As Kiran was rushing out to the hospital, his eyes fell on the idol of Durga Devi beautifully decorated with flowers by his mother. He had heard his mother say often that Durga Ma is the mother of all living beings and she is all powerful.

With folded hands and tears in his eyes, Kiran came near the idol and prayed” Durga Ma, you know that I cannot live without my father. Please save his life.” As he bowed down, he picked up a red flower from the deity’s feet and left.

Very soon Kiran was by his father’s side. He was on the point of crying as he saw his father lying unconscious.But when he looked at his mother, all his fear and anxiety vanished. Closing her eyes, she sat deeply absorbed in meditation and prayer. Kiran saw a soft glow of peace and confidence on her face. He softly whispered to her: “Ma, I have brought this flower from Durga-Ma’s lotus feet for father.” As she opened her eyes, Kiran put the red flower on his father’s forehead.

Kiran’s father soon showed signs of slowly regaining consciousness. The doctors who came to check him said “He is out of danger. He is saved.” Kiran’s prayers along with that of his mother, had been answered.

Kiran learnt a great lesson from this experience. His father, who returned home from hospital after a month, saw a remarkable change in his son. Kiran would join his mother in meditation and even help her in puja during his holidays. Now and then he would go with his father to the temple too. When school studies were over, he would read simple books on the life of holy men like Vivekananda, Gautam Buddha.

Kiran had now realised that faith, devotion and prayer have healing power. They fill our hearts with hope,Strength and courage. They put us on the right path and fill our hearts with peace, contentment and joy.

Sloka

• Sarva mangala mangalye, Shive sarvarta sadhike
• Sarva mangala mangalye, Shive sarvarta sadhike

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