Perseverance In Renunciation

Anecdotes

oi-Staff

By Staff

Thursday, August 6, 2009, 16:05

Renunciation is the way of a seeker. But intense renunciation is the way of a staunch seeker.

A farmer determined to dig a channel to connect his field with the river due to acute drought. As he worked with intensity, his wife sent a cup of oil with his daughter to ask him have his bath. The farmer turned away his daughter saying that he had to complete the task that he has undertaken. He then continued to work his way hard with his spade.

It was past mid-day and his wife approached him prompting him to give up his work and go for his bath and have his food as he still had time to continue with the work even after dinner. The farmer became furious and rushed at his wife with the spade, yelling that if he has to give up the work, the crops will die thereby starving the children. The startled wife turned away with fear at her husband's fury.

Hours rolled on and by evening, the mission was completed and the relaxed farmer watched the water irrigate his field. He then returned home and had a refreshing bath, had a hearty meal and snored peacefully in his bed.

There was also another farmer who ventured to dig a channel to bring water to his fields. However his wife's intrusion did not allow him to complete the task.

Hence it is perseverance in renunciation that takes one to the goal says Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.