 
Kishan and the song of Krishna

By Murali Krishna at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Murali Krishna

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Kishan and the song of Krishna

(Stories on 108 selected _Shlokas_ of the Bhagavad Gita)

Illustrations by Atmajyothi Murali Krishna

Edited by Atmajyothi Dr Smitha C Rao

Email: atmajyothi.lads@gmail.com

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LADS

Little Atmajyothis Dharmakshetra Sangha

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Dedicated to the lotus feet of

Sadguru Prabhuji

# FOREWORD

The purpose of this book is to communicate the spiritual truths that Lord Krishna speaks about in the Bhagavad Gita in a simple way. Most of us want to go back to our childhood days, may be not to the events but back to the bliss that we experienced then. We want to be innocent, we want to be taken care of, and most importantly we want to be happy, just happy and peaceful. We have a memory of being happy and peaceful as kids, but in the process of growing up we lost it. Can one grow up to be wise and mature yet innocent? This is the question answered by spirituality. The answer comes to life in an enlightened being. An enlightened person is just like a child, innocent. Yet he or she is wise. This book is about a child who grows up listening to the enlightening teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

The Bhagavad Gita is the song of Lord Krishna, who is called as a Purnavatar (Complete incarnation). Lord Krishna is the embodiment of life, he is a complete being. Lord Krishna's path is a path of embracing life, to accept all colors of life and finally come out of it with flying colors. Lord Krishna had a beautiful outer life and the supreme inner life, he teaches Arjuna on the battlefield how one can achieve this kind of inner and outer success. To live a complete life, to live a peaceful life we need to understand and know how to deal with the challenges on the outside and how to overcome and transcend inner negativities.

There is peace and happiness in life when there is clarity in the mind. The Bhagavad Gita is a soothing and purifying song. By chanting and understand which even a child can reach the supreme goal of life.

Murali Krishna

July 2013

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# Chapter INTRODUCTION

It was a bright Friday afternoon and the last hour at school. The class teacher declared it a free hour. It was her practice to have the children do something constructive and creative in free periods. She decided to have the children talk about their father's profession as Father's Day was approaching. She wrote the topic on the board and asked the students to volunteer to start. A few volunteered and the activity began. In 10 minutes, 3 students had spoken about their father's profession. The first student's father was a Software engineer, the second's was a Doctor and the third student's father owned a business. The teacher now asked Kishan to come and speak about his Father's profession.

Kishan was the class leader and a very good student. All the teachers and his classmates adored him. He was polite and kind to all and would entertain everyone with his sense of humor and acting skills.

Kishan told the class that his father was a Trainer; he worked for many big companies training people on various aspects like communication, soft skills, leadership etc. Kishan's father was a well known as he used to give Spiritual discourses mainly on The Bhagavad Gita so the teacher asked Kishan to talk about his father's discourses. Kishan then shared a few experiences about the same.

"You have attended so many of your father's classes on the Gita, can you tell us what you have learnt from it?" asked the teacher.

"Sure Mam" replied Kishan.

He then paused for a moment closing his eyes as if he were saying a prayer in his mind and then said, "Bhagavad Gita means 'The Song of God'. 'Gita' means song. It was sung by Lord Krishna, Sri Krishna Bhagavan. It is a part of the Greatest Epic of the world 'The Mahabharatha', written by Sage Vyasa. It is over 5000 years old! Mahabharata is the story of 5 Pandava brothers and their cousins, the Kauravas. The Kauravas tried to cheat and kill the Pandavas so that they could get their Kingdom. The Kauravas head Dhuryodhana did not want to give the Pandavas even a small piece of land. The Pandavas tried hard to avoid fighting and when nothing worked, they finally decided to go on a war against them. In the battle field, Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers saw all his friends and relatives and Gurus on the Kauravas side standing to fight against them. Seeing them he became weak, and the great warrior Arjuna sat down crying. Bhagavad Gita is the song sung by Krishna, Arjuna's charioteer, to make Arjuna wise and take the right decision."

Inspired by his talk and on seeing the class listen to him with interest, the teacher asked, "Shall we enact a play on a story from the Mahabharata for this year's school day function?"

The whole class was excited and they decided to plan the next week.

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# Chapter 1. The Sacred Battlefield

Shloka 1.1

Dhrtarastra uvacha:

Dharmaksetre kuruksetre samaveta yuyutsavaha

Mamakah pandavascaiva kimakurvata sanjaya

King Dhrtarastra says:

In the sacred battle field of Kurukshetra, where the armies have assembled to fight, what did my sons and sons of Pandu do? Tell me O Sanjay.

Kishan's school's Cultural Fest was coming up the next month. His class had decided to enact a play based on the beginning of the Mahabharata war. Their class teacher selected 5 students for the play and assigned them their roles. The first act was a scene in the palace where King Dhrtarastra and his minister Sanjaya were conversing.

The class teacher and the chosen students stayed back after school hours to practice for the play. Kishan was assigned to play the role of Sanjaya the minister and Tarun was to play the role of Dhrtarashtra the blind king. Tarun was made to sit on a chair while Kishan was asked to stand beside him for rehearsal.

Explaining about the first act of the play the teacher said, "The act starts with a conversation between King Dhrtarashtra the father of the Kauravs and Sanjaya his minister. They are in the Palace but Sanjaya has a magical ability to see the happenings in the distant battlefield live. The great sage Vyasa had given this magical power to Sanjaya. King Dhrtarashtra now asks Sanjaya about the happenings in the battle field and that is the first Shloka of The Bhagavad Gita."

She then taught Tarun his first dialogue.

Tarun, now playing the role of Dhrtarashtra said, "Sanjaya, please tell me what is happening in the sacred place, The Kurukshetra, where my sons and Pandavas have gathered to fight the battle."

While Tarun was rehearsing his dialogue, Kishan peeped into the Bhagavad Gita that was on the teachers table. He was confused on reading the first Shloka and asked, "Mam, It says here, 'Sacred place, Kurukshetra'. How is a battle field sacred?"

The teacher replied, "That is a good question dear. I will explain it to you, but before that, I want you to tell me what the Principal said when the class was noisy this afternoon."

Tarun immediately imitated the Principal, "Silence! Is this a classroom or a fish-market!?!"

Everyone laughed.

The teacher said, "Exactly! He said that because the class was noisy. This is a classroom; it is a sacred place of learning. What if the children here were fighting and crying and stealing, what would it become?"

"Kurukshetra!" exclaimed Kishan.

"That is true. The whole world is a pure and sacred place as God is everywhere. Bad intentions and bad behaviour of people makes it a battlefield", said their teacher. Saanvi then asked, "Mam is my house also a sacred place?"

Their teacher smiled at Saanvi and said, "Yes Saanvi, your house and your heart are also sacred and holy as long as the intentions, thoughts and behaviour are good."

Saanvi asked, "Mam, I am good but what if others are bad? What if they have bad intentions and are fighting?"

Their teacher explained, "Everyone are good, they just don't know what is right and what is wrong. You have to continue to be good and that will bring a change in them sooner or later. By continuing to be good, you will be setting an example, everyone will slowly learn from you. If there is nothing you can do to make the place better, then you can sincerely pray to God to make it a sacred and holy place where everyone can live peacefully?"

Now, the teacher looked at Kishan who was listening very attentively and asked, "Do you understand Kishan?"

Kishan said, "Yes Mam, the entire world is a holy place, a Dharmakshetra, but because of bad intention, bad thoughts and bad behaviour of people it becomes a Kurukshetra. We can be good in thoughts and actions and inspire others to be good or we can be bad and create more fights."

"That is correct!" said the teacher and they continued to rehearse the play.

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# Chapter 2. Cry of Confusion

Shloka 2.7

Arjuna uvacha

Karpanyadosopahataswabhavah

Prcchami tvam dharmasammudhacetah

Yacchreyah syannischitam bruhi tanme

Sisyaste ham sad imam tvam prapannam

Arjuna says to Lord Krishna:

I am overcome by weakness. Hence I am confused about my duties. I surrender myself to you as a disciple. Please instruct me as to what is righteousness and what is right for me to do.

One day, Kishan saw his best friend Aryan stealing money from Karthik's bag. Later in that day, Karthik saw that his money, which he had brought to pay the school fee, was missing. Karthik went to the teacher crying and told her about his money being missing and that he had carefully kept it in his bag.

The teacher suspected that some student must have taken away the money from Karthik's bag and asked all the students about Karthik's money. She told the students that she would be very happy if the student who has taken the money admits that it was a mistake and comes to her and gives it back. She also told them that there will be no punishment. Aryan remained silent.

After the class, Kishan asked Aryan to return the money but he refused. Kishan felt sorry for Karthik and was confused now. He didn't know if he should tell the truth or be a good friend. He was unable to decide. He prayed to God to guide him and help him to do the right thing. Then, suddenly, he recollected that he can ask his teacher's help. He then went to his class teacher in the lunch break.

On seeing Kishan waiting for her near the Staff Room the Teacher asked, "What is the matter Kishan?"

Kishan said, "Mam, I am unable to decide about something. Please help me. I want to know what is greater, friendship or truth."

The Teacher said, "Truth is the greatest at all times. Nothing else is greater than the truth. Where there is Truth, there is God. If you are confused, take the side of truth."

After listening to the Teacher carefully, Kishan said, "I am afraid to take the side of truth. I will lose by best friend if I take the side of the truth. I do not want to hurt my friend. What should I do now?"

The teacher was not able to understand why he was afraid to be truthful so she asked, "I think you are hiding something from me. Can you please tell me what has happened? I will not tell anyone what you tell me now."

Kishan now stood silently for a while and then said, "Mam, I saw Aryan taking money from Karthik's bag this morning. Though I knew that, I did not tell you in the classroom because Aryan is my best friend. If I had told you that he had stolen the money, he would stop talking to me. I am scared of hurting and humiliating Aryan and at the same time I am feeling bad for Karthik. I have tried to be a good friend, but I still feel that I have done a mistake. Now, I have come to you to seek your advice and know what is right."

The Teacher now understood clearly and said, "Relax my child. I will help you to make the right decision. Your confusion reminds me of Arjuna in Mahabharata. Arjuna also faced a similar situation in the battle field. He was finding it very difficult to fight the war as the people against him were his cousins the Kauravas, his grandfather Bhishma, his Guru Dhronacharya and other relatives. He did not want to kill his own relatives and Guru, he did not know if it was right to fight and kill his relatives or to leave the battle which was being fought for justice. He then bowed down to Lord Krishna and prayed to him to remove his confusion between right and wrong and show him the right path. Similarly, you have done the right thing by telling me about your confusion. Your fear of losing your friend is wrong. That fear is making you weak and unable to decide. When somebody is making a mistake, it is correct to advise them, whether they take your advice or not is left to them; but you who know the truth should always stand by it. There is no need to be afraid to stand by the truth or to speak the truth at any time. 'If you protect the truth, the truth shall protect you' say the Rishis of our country."

Kishan, now smiling with bright eyes said, "Mam, I thank you very much for bringing clarity to me. I am not sad anymore, I know that what I am doing now is right and that gives me courage. I will stand by the truth. I will also pray to God to help everyone who is confused and is afraid. I not only know now that truth is the greatest thing but also know that when we are confused and unable to decide, we should sincerely ask the elders who know more than us to clarify our doubts. When we sincerely pray to God seeking for guidance, he will definitely send someone to our rescue, either teacher, or parent, or a friend, or a brother, someone who knows more and can guide us. Once our doubts are clarified we will be strong to take the right decision and act according to it."

Kishan then went in search of Aryan whom he found in the playground. Aryan ran towards him and started describing his plans with excitement. He said, "Kishan, I will go to the new shop near my house today and buy many things video game CDs, a transformer and bay blade. Will you come with me? I have a lot of money today I will buy something for you too."

Kishan was sad to see that his friend Aryan wants to enjoy like this by taking away someone else's money. He said, "Aryan, stop now. The money which you want to spend on buying these things is not your money. It is Karthik's fees. What you want to do is wrong. Please give it to Mam and she will give it back to him."

Aryan was angry now, he shouted saying "I will stop talking to you if you ask me to stop. I am not giving back the money. I am going to buy many things. This is my decision."

Kishan looked at him for a while hoping that he will change his decision. Aryan did not say anything. Disappointed, Kishan said, "Sorry Aryan, I am not with you in this. I know that you are wrong. I pray to God that you realize this soon. I am feeling bad that you are not going to be my friend anymore, but I am going to be truthful and this is my decision."

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# Chapter 3. Short lived happiness is not worth crying for

Shloka2. 11

Sri-Bhagavanuvaca

Asocyananvasocastvam  
Prajnavadamsca bhasase  
Gatasunagatasumsca  
Nanusocan'ti panditah

The Blessed Lord said:

You grieve for those who should not be grieved for; yet you spell words of wisdom. Those who are wise grieve neither for the living nor the dead.

Kishan was enjoying his Christmas holidays with his younger sister Chetana. New Year was fast approaching and Chetana was very excited as her uncle had promised her a New Year gift. Chetana used to look up the calendar and count days for New Year every day since Christmas. Only two days were left now for New Year and the gift to arrive.

While Kishan and Chetana were playing, their father received a phone call. Kishan observed the worried look on his father's face while he was talking on the phone. He waited for his father to hang up and asked him, "Dad, you look worried, is everything fine?"

His father said, "It was your uncle on the phone Kishan, he has meet with an accident and is admitted in the hospital. The doctors are treating his injuries. He needs help, we must go there now."

On hearing this, both Kishan and Chetana felt sad. Kishan went to get their dad's car keys so that they could start immediately, while Chetana began to weep.

Kishan said, "Don't cry Chetana, uncle will be fine, doctors are treating him and he will heal soon."

Wiping tears off her face; Chetana said, "There are only two days left for New Year, because of the accident I don't think I will get any gift from uncle. I have been waiting for it since the day he told me, I want the gift, I have told all my friends about it. They will now make fun of me if I don't show them the gift."

Kishan was shocked. He said, "Oh God! Chetana, first pray for uncle to get well soon, the gift is not more important than him."

Chetana was not happy with what he said, she turned to her dad now and asked, "Dad, can I ask uncle about the gift when we meet him in the hospital now?"

Their Dad said, "Both of you get into the car soon, we'll talk on our way to the hospital, we can't be late, uncle needs help there."

They all got into the car and left from home. He then said, "Chetana, you are a darling. You are always appreciated by everyone for being nice and caring. I am surprised that you are crying for a gift and not for your Uncle who is wounded in an accident. You are crying for something he wanted to give you and not for him. Isn't uncle's love and affection for you more important and valuable than the gift?"

Chetana did not seem to understand, she looked at her dad expecting him to say more about it.

Her dad said, "Alright, let me explain it to you with an example then. While in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna was feeling sad and crying that all the Kauravas and other relatives who were on the other side would die in the battle. At that time, Lord Krishna told Arjuna that it was wrong for him to worry about his relatives dying in the battlefield as they were the people who were against truth and justice. Truth and justice are permanent and more important and valuable. Arjuna was giving more importance to his relatives than to truth and justice. Today, you are making a similar mistake by giving more importance to the gift and to what your friends might say when you don't get it than your uncle and his love and affection for you. Gifts, things that others say to you will all change, will come and go, they are temporary but uncle's love for you does not change that way."

Chetana looked out of the window now and thought about it for a while and said, "Dad, Kishu, I am sorry. I understand now that the gift is not worth crying for. It is temporary compared to uncle and his love for me. As you said it is less important and less valuable, it can make me happy only for a short time, many such gifts will come and go, uncle is dearer to me, his love and affection is more valuable to me."

"What do you want to tell your uncle when you meet him now in the hospital?" asked her Dad. "Get well soon uncle!" she said.

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# Chapter 4. God alone is permanent

Shloka 2. 12

natvevahamjatunasam  
natvamnemejanadhipah  
nacaivanabhavisyamah  
sarvevayamatahpaRam

Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.

A few days later while Kishan was in his classroom, the Principal's attendant came and told the Teacher that the Principal wants to see Kishan in her office. Kishan was very surprised when his teacher asked him to go and meet the Principal. He went to the Principal's room. The Principal told him that his father had called her and told her that he will be coming to the school in a while to pick up Kishan and requested her to make him wait in the visitors waiting area. She asked Kishan to take his bag from the classroom and wait in the reception area. He was now waiting for his dad and wondering why his dad is coming to school at this hour to pick him up and was hoping that everything was fine.

Kishan's dad arrived and they left from the school immediately. As soon as he sat in the car Kishan asked his dad, "Dad, why are we going home? What happened?"

His dad said, "Kishan, I have sad news for you, your Uncle passed away an hour ago. We have to go to his house. Your mother and Chetana have reached there."

Kishan was silent for a moment, trying to understand what he just heard. He then started weeping silently.

On reaching their uncle's house, Kishan was not prepared to see his uncle lying dead. He was holding on to his dad's hand for a long time. He saw everybody sitting around his uncle's body and weeping. He looked at his uncle's body. He recollected his uncle hugging him, telling him stories, wishing him on his birthday, taking him and his sister to amusement parks and movies. He wept more. He later observed that while everyone else were crying aloud and saying that this should not have happened, his dad was not. His dad appeared to have accepted the death of his brother.

He went up to his dad and asked, "Dad, uncle was your brother. He died, which means that you can never see him or talk to him again, he was so close to us. I am surprised that you are not crying."

His dad wiped tears off Kishan's face and said, "Kishan, don't you remember what I told Chetana last week when she was crying for the gift? We should not cry or feel sad for short-lived things."

Kishan was surprised he could not understand what his dad was trying to tell him. He said, "How can uncle be one of those short-lived things? He is a person not a thing and he was with us for so many years dad."

His dad said, "Why not? This body of your Uncle which you are seeing is not permanent. Everyone will become old and die one day. So, body is also one of those short-lived things. I am not crying because when your uncle was alive I loved him, I always wished good for him and helped him whenever I could and we both had a beautiful relationship. I knew that everything is short lived and I did my best in that short time. It is more important to be good to people when they are alive than cry when they die."

Kishan, now trying to understand said, "In that case, everything in this world is short-lived. Isn't there anything that is permanent which will never die?"

His dad made Kishan sit on his lap and said, "It is God; God is inside us and is present everywhere in this universe. He is the same in everybody. God has neither birth nor death. It is because of the power of God the body runs. Now your uncle died which means that this body that you called as uncle died, but God inside uncle does not die."

Kishan said, "Dad, I did not completely understand what you said, but I feel better now because I was also good to uncle when he was alive."

Kishan went inside and sat down with his aunty, cousins and mother. He was thinking about what his Dad had told him.

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# Chapter 5. Natural changes in all human beings

Shloka 2.13

dehino 'smin yatha dehe

kaumaRam yauvanam jara

tatha dehantara-praptir

dhiras tatra na muhyati

As we continuously pass, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A wise man is not bewildered by such a change.

After his Uncle's death, Kishan and Chetana recovered gradually and came back to their normal routine. Even though Kishan was going to school, attending classes, at the back of his mind, he was still thinking about what his Dad told him at his Uncle's house on the day his uncle died.

One day, in the evening, Kishan was having snacks while his mother was chopping carrots sitting beside him. Kishan looked at one of the carrots and said, "Mum, see this carrot, it has shrunk and its skin looks like Grandpa's skin. Isn't it mum?" and laughed.

Kishan's mum picked it up and said, "A few days ago, when I brought these carrots, they looked full and fresh. As days passed by, they changed; they shrunk and they look old now. Everything changes. You have seen your photo album and you know how small you were when you were born. You can see how your body has changed in these years. After a few years your body will become like your dad's and later, after some more years, it will become like your Grandpa's. This is a natural change that happens to the body from childhood to adulthood to old age. Body grows old and dies."

Kishan thought about it for a while and asked, "Mum, what happens when the body grows old and dies? What changes then? Did uncle change or did he die?"

Kishan's mum said, "Uncle left that body and went into another body my dear. That is the change that happens at death. Death is just a change from one body to another."

Kishan asked his Mother, "Mum, Dad told me the other day that only God is permanent and you are telling that Uncle went from one body to another body and I saw that uncle was dead. What is true Mum? I am not able to understand."

Kishan's mum said, "Kishu, I will explain to you in detail now. A human being is not just the body. There are three things which together make a living human being. One is the body about which you know a lot. Second is the life energy and mind and third is God inside. When a person dies, the body will decay, the life energy and the mind will go into a different body and God inside remains the same. This is what Dad told you the other day that only God is permanent and God was there in the past, is there in the present and will be there in the future."

Kishan asked, "Mum, when a living human being dies, does nothing happen to the God inside him? Will the God inside him be in the dead body?"

Kishan's mum smiled and said, "Yes my dear. God is present not only in the living but also in the dead. God is everywhere and in everything."

Kishan asked, "Then what about the new body that a person takes after death? Will God be there in that before he takes it?"

Kishan's mum said, "Yes dear. God was there before we were born, he is there now when we are alive and will continue to be there even after we die."

Kishan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Mum, now I understand why Dad did not cry that day. Even I don't feel sad anymore about uncle. Everything will change, it is natural to change, but God is permanent. Now that I have understood this I will not be sad about any change."

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# Chapter 6. Both happiness and sadness disappear soon.

Shloka 2.14

matra-sparsastukaunteya

sitosna-sukha-duhkha-dah

agamapayino 'nityas

tamstitiksasvabharata

O son of Kunti, the impermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.

Kishan and Chetana were busy with their exams. On the last day of the exam, an announcement was made in the class to check the notice board regarding Annual Karate Tournament. Kishan was very excited about this as he was the winner of the Tournament the previous year. After the exam, Kishan read the details on the notice board and then went to meet the Karate Master.

The Karate Master saw Kishan and said, "Hello Kishan, I hope you have checked the notice board and read about the Tournament. Now that your exams are over, I hope you will spend more time in practicing Karate. If you practice well then you can be the winner this time too."

Kishan said, "Thank you Master, I will practice well, I want to win."

With just a week left for the Tournament, Kishan practiced for many hours every day. Kishan recollected that Rahul was the runner-up last year; he knew that the toughest part of the tournament would be to defeat Rahul.

On the day of the tournament, Kishan came to the Tournament grounds accompanied by his parents and sister. Just before Kishan left to the changing room to join the other participants, his dad said, "Kishu, don't worry about the result; do your best". Kishan said, "I'm not worried dad I will give it my best and surely win." He then ran towards the changing room.

When the Tournament started, Kishan cleared all the rounds and in the final round, Rahul defeated him and won the Tournament. Kishan was disappointed, he collected the certificate and the runner up trophy and joined his family in the car. He was quiet on their way back home. After reaching home he began to weep.

His dad hugged him and said, "Kishu, you win sometimes and you lose sometimes. I know you practiced well and did your best in the tournament. You cannot win each time and you will not lose all the time. The result will never be the same every time. When you won last year, you were very happy for a few days and as days passed you began to do other things and forgot about winning the tournament. Now you have not won and you are sad, this sadness is also only for a few days, soon you will be interested in many other things and forget this."

Kishan said, "Yes Dad, I understand that the result will never be the same always. I also understand that I will be fine in a few days, but what do I do now? I am sad now Dad."

Kishan's Dad said, "Wait dear, just wait, it will disappear. Until then try to do something else that you like. You can go out and ride your bicycle, play with Chetu, or draw something. Before you realise, you will be happy again."

Kishan then went to the garden where Chetana and others children were playing and joined them.

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# Chapter 7. God can be seen with great devotion

Shloka 2.20

na jayate mriyate va kadacin   
nayam bhutva bhavita va na bhuyah   
ajo nityah sasvato 'yam purano   
na hanyate hanyamane sarire

For _Paramatma_ (God) there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. _Paramatma_ (God) is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.

Kishan's mother and Chetana were waiting for him near their car outside Kishan's school. It was the last day of his exams and Chetana had finished her exams the day before.

After Kishan came out of his classroom his mother his bag and asked, "How did you do today?"

Kishan casually replied as he climbed into the car, "I've done my best; it's in God's hands now."

Chetana who had been holding her excitement all along, exclaimed, "Kishan! There is a surprise for you at home!"

"What is it?" Kishan asked.

"You'll see for yourself when we go home" said his mother as she started the car.

Throughout the way Chetana had Kishan guessing giving him tough clues. Kishan could not guess.

When they reached home, the brother and sister got off quickly and ran inside.

"Where is the surprise?" he asked Chetana.

She ran to the guest room screaming "It's here"

When Kishan entered the guest room he saw Grandpa Hari. Grandpa Hari stayed in the US with his son and his family. He was Kishan's Grandfather's brother. The children were very happy that Grandpa Hari had come. He would buy them a story book each time he came and would tell many mythological stories.

"I have something for you my boy" said Grandpa Hari and handed Kishan a book.

It was a story book on 'Hanuman'. It had really nice pictures in it. Kishan was happy and he thanked Grandpa. They all had lunch and then the children sat in the guest room with Grandpa Hari.

Grandpa Hari said, "Your mother told me you children are learning to chant the Bhagavad Gita."

Both Kishan and Chetana replied "Yes!"

Chetana said "I can chant all the Shlokas from the first chapter."

"Very good" said Grandpa, and he asked Kishan how much he had learnt.

Kishan said he could chant the first 3 chapters.

Grandpa was very happy with both the children, he said, "It is really wonderful that you children are learning, your father could chant the entire Bhagavad Gita by the age of 8."

The children now wanted Grandpa to tell them a story before their afternoon nap. Grandpa Hari told them the story of Lord Hanuman's birth and how strong he was. He told them the story of how Hanuman tried to eat the sun. Kishan was an imaginative child. As he listened to the story he could imagine the whole story and see it in his mind like a movie. While telling the story Grandpa Hari mentioned that Hanuman was a Chiranjivi meaning Immortal.

Kishan asked, "That means he does not die. Where is he now Grandpa?"

Grandpa explained, "He is here Kishan, let me tell you how, but before that please recite a Shloka from Chapter two of the Gita, it starts something like 'Na jayate mriyate va', do you know that Shloka?"

"Yes Grandpa", said Kishan and he recited the Shloka.

Grandpa Hari said, "You recite beautifully Kishan. Now let me tell you what that means and how Hanuman is Immortal. Lord Hanuman is very strong and has great devotion for Lord Rama and the ones who pray to Hanuman are blessed with strength and devotion. Can you see air? No. Just because you cannot see, it does not mean it is not there. Lord Hanuman is here and he will always be. When you have great devotion for him you can see him. When you have great love for God you can see him. God never dies. If you can feel devotion for God it is because of Hanuman inside you, if you are courageous to do the right thing then it is because of Hanuman's strength in you. As long as devotion lives Hanuman lives. Can you tell me who Hanuman worshipped and loved?"

"Lord Rama" replied the Children

"Yes, Lord Rama. Your Aunty Shama is a great devotee of Lord Rama. That is Hanuman in her, devotion is Hanuman. Hanuman is in her, that is why she is so good and kind." said Grandpa.

Kishan now asked him what the Shloka meant

Granpa Hari told him that in the Shloka Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that God is without birth and death and he exists always.

****

# Chapter 8. Nature always moves towards the New

Shloka 2.22

vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya

navani grhnati naro 'parani

tatha sarirani vihaya jirnany

anyani samyati navani dehi

As a person puts on new clothes, giving up the old ones, similarly, the Atma accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.

It was a Saturday evening and Kishan was getting ready to attend his Cousin's birthday party. As usual, he took out his favourite shirt and pair of jeans from the cupboard. He was wearing the shirt very carefully as it was now short and tight for him. Even with much care, the shirt tore. At the same time, Grandpa Hari came into the room searching for her spectacles. He was surprised to see Kishan sad.

Grandpa Hari asked, "What is the matter Kishu? Just a few minutes ago you were excited about leaving to the birthday party. What happened all of a sudden?"

Kishan said, "Grandpa, see here, my favourite shirt is torn. Dad bought this shirt for my eighth year birthday. I like this shirt so much that I have been wearing only this shirt to all parties. What do I do now?"

Grandpa Hari picked up the shirt, looked at it carefully and said, "I am sorry Kishu, it cannot be fixed. It's alright, you have more than a couple of new shirts, why don't you wear one of those? This shirt was anyway small for you."

Kishan said "No way Grandpa, I do not want to wear any other shirt, I like this shirt very much. If I cannot wear it then I will not go to the party."

Grandpa Hari was surprised. He said, "Oh dear, every dress will get torn over a period of time. You have been using this shirt for the last three years, no wonder it tore. You have grown taller, how many more years do you expect to fit into this shirt? Your body is growing day by day, but your shirts and pants will not grow, isn't it? Moreover, your parents buy you new clothes every now and then. Why do you want only the old one? They are of no use to you now. You should give them away to poor children or throw them away if they are torn."

Kishan took away that shirt from Grandpa Hari and said, "No Grandpa, I will not give this shirt to anybody else. This will be with me forever."

Grandpa Hari came closer and said, "Kishan, look at me, my body has grown old, my hands and legs are no longer strong. This body is not capable of doing anything, these eyes cannot see properly nor can these ears listen sharply. When this body becomes completely useless to me and also to others around me, then the life inside the body will leave this body and get into a new body. Exactly like leaving the old clothes and wearing new clothes. Life inside does not feel sad about leaving this body because the body is old and is not useful anymore. It will accept a new body which can be used to do good things. Is it not better to leave something that is old and cannot be used and accept something that is new and can be used?"

Kishan said, "Yes Grandpa, Dad had an old car before, he got it repaired few times and when it was not possible to repair it anymore, he bought a new one. Now I know what I should be doing with this shirt. Thank you Grandpa."

Kishan hugged Grandpa Hari and then went up to his cupboard, took out a new shirt and wore it.

He came out of his room and said, "Grandpa, I will make a bag with the torn shirt and give all the shirts which are small for me to someone who can use it".

"That's my boy!" said Grandpa Hari.

****

# Chapter 9. God can only be touched with devotion

_Shloka_ 2. 23

nainam chindanti sastrani

nainam dahati pavakah

na cainam kledayanty apo

na sosayati marutah

_Paramatma_ (God) can never be cut to pieces by any weapon, nor burned by fire, nor moistened by water, nor withered by the wind.

It was a Saturday evening and Grandpa Hari searching for something in his bag. Kishan's mother asked if she could help him search. Grandpa Hari said, "I had got a movie DVD to watch with the children, but I'm not able to find it. Ah, here it is!"

He found the DVD in his bag. Kishan's mother asked him which movie it was. "Bhakta Prahlada", he said.

Kishan's mother was delighted as she recollected the time when she had watched the movie. She told Grandpa Hari that her father used to tell the story of Prahlada beautifully. She then went into the living room and called out, "Kishan, Chetana come down here. We are going to watch a movie that Grandpa Hari has brought."

Kishan and Chetana were excited and they sat to watch TV with Grandpa Hari and their mother. Kishan liked Prahlada. He started feeling the same devotion and faith in God which Prahlada experienced. Kishan was thrilled when he saw how Hiranyakashyap's soldiers tried different methods to kill Prahlada but Prahlada was protected by God every single time. When they took a break for tea Kishan asked Grandpa Hari, "How it is possible that none of the weapons could kill Prahlada?"

Grandpa Hari said, "Kishu, Prahlada has great love for God. He was constantly thinking about God and talking about God. Pleased with his devotion, God was ever with him. That is why he could not be killed by any of the weapons nor by the fire, water etc. God cannot be reached by any other means other than true devotion, true love for him. The same thing was told by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita. Let us together chant that Shloka from Gita."

nainam chindanti sastrani   
nainam dahati pavakah  
na cainam kledayanty apo  
na sosayati marutah

After they all finished chanting Grandpa Hari continued, "Now do you understand why Prahlada could not be killed by any of the methods that were used to kill him?"

"The Shloka says that God cannot be killed through weapons or burnt through fire, but here Prahlada is not getting harmed, is Prahlada God?" asked Chetana

Grandpa Hari replied, "My dear Chetana, Prahlada has become very very close to God because of his devotion, he has given his entire heart and mind to God and God is seated in his heart. God loves him back that is why he is safe."

"Does God love me?" Chetana asked.

Granpa Hari hugged Chetana and said, "Yes he does, and the more you love him the more he will love you and always protect you."

****

# Chapter 10. What has come must go

Shloka 2.27

jatasya hi dhruvo mrtyur

dhruvam janma mrtasya ca

tasmad apariharye 'rthe

na tvam socitum arhasi

For one who has taken his birth, death is certain; and for one who is dead, birth is certain. Therefore you should not lament over the inevitable.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Kishan and his family was at the airport to see off Grandpa Hari who had to board a flight scheduled at 4PM to return to USA. They had reached the airport early to avoid traffic. Kishan wanted to be helpful, he wanted to show his love for Grandpa Hari through help, he carried a few bags of Grandpa Hari. Chetana on the other hand was quite sad that her Grandpa was leaving. She had grown very close to him during his stay in their house. Grandpa Hari was very affectionate towards her and had also nick named her 'Little Radha'.

Grandpa Hari asked the children if they wanted to eat ice cream in the airport. Kishan said yes but there was no response from Chetana. They went to ice cream parlour outside the airport. Kishan sat beside Grandpa Hari and Chetana, still sad, sat beside her mother. Kishna's Dad went to the counter to place their orders.

"Little Radha! Cheer up! Do you want Grandpa to see your sad face or your smiling face?" Kishan asked Chetana.

Grandpa Hari then asked her to sit beside him. Chetana went and hugged him and said "Why can't you stay for some more days Grandpa?"

Grandpa Hari lovingly told her, "Dear child, don't be so sad, look at Kishan, he is not sad that I am leaving."

"He does not love you as much as I do", she said.

Kishan smiled. Grandpa said, "I know that both of you love me a lot, Kishan is not sad because he understands why I have to go, and he also know that I will come back next year."

"Whatever has come must go!" exclaimed Kishan.

"You have learnt well Kishan. And I know that you know this too Chetana, but you will miss me, am I right?" Grandpa asked Chetana.

"Yes I will miss you a lot Grandpa", Chetana said with tears in her eyes.

Grandpa Hari said, "I know you will miss me, it is fine, instead of missing me and being sad you can think about the stories and lessons that I taught you, you can read the books that I have given you. If you do this, I will be very happy. Do you know what would make me very happy? I told you that yesterday."

Chetana, who was feeling better now, wiped tears off her face and said, "You will be very happy if I try to implement all the lessons that you have taught me about kindness, and other good things."

"Very good!" said Grandpa, he was delighted.

****

# Chapter 11. God dwells in all beings

Shloka 2.30

dehi nityam avadhyo 'yam

dehe sarvasya bharata

tasmat sarvani bhutani

na tvam socitum arhasi

O descendant of Bharata, Paramatma (God) who dwells in the body is eternal and can never be slain. Therefore you need not grieve for any creature.

School had re opened, Kishan and Chetana came back to their daily routine. Kishan would listen to the teachers attentively during class, he would understand clearly what was taught and would study daily before going out to play with his friends. He wanted to set a good example to his sister. Chetana was smart too but she would get carried away with extra-curricular activities if given a chance. Both of them used to score well in their exams.

That evening, Kishan's dad came home along with a friend. He was an elderly gentleman. As the gentleman sat down, Kishan's father introduced Kishan and Chetana to him. "Children, this is Sir Chandrashekar, take his blessings" he said.

Sir Chandrashekar was one of Kishan's father's Guru. Kishan's father had learnt Bhagavad Gita from him a long time ago. Both Kishan and Chetana prostrated at his feet and seeked his blessings.

Kishan then went out to play with his friends. He saw the milkman walk towards his house to deliver the evening milk. All these days, he had not noticed that the milkman too was an old man. He then stopped to think how he has never taken his blessings by prostrating at his feet. When he returned home after playing, he saw that the guest had left.

Kishan went up to his father and asked, "Why did you ask us to do Namaskara to your Guru today?"

Kishan's father was a little surprised with this question as Kishan was a good boy with good manners and he always respected everybody, but he also knew that Kishan was asking this to know something more about Namaskara. He said, "Well, Sir Chandrashekar is my Guru and he is an elderly man. You have always done Namaskara to elders right, you still do."

"Then why is it that you have never asked me to do Namaskara to our milkman? He is old too?" Kishan asked.

Kishan's father smiled as he had now understood Kishan's real question. He said, "Kishan, I have taught you long ago that we do Namaskara to the God who is in the heart of the other person. God is in all beings. Namaskara is to remind us that God is in our heart and in the heart of the person that we do Namaskara to. Do you think everybody know that God is in their heart?"

"No, everybody does not know", Kishan replied.

"Correct. Even If they do not know it is alright, but you need to know that God is in all beings and you need to have respect for all. God is in a lion too; can you do Namaskara to a lion?" asked Kishan's father.

Kishan laughed and said, "It'll eat you."

Kishan's father said, "Exactly, but you can still have respect and love for it in your mind. Namaskara is a simple way to show respect and love. That is why we do Namaskara to elders, I do Namaskara to the God in your heart in my mind, because if I do it outside you will not understand and other people will misunderstand, do you understand?" and laughed.

Kishan said, "Yeah, I do, so is it ok for me to do Namaskara to the milkman?"

"First you have to have respect and love for him inside, and when the time is right you need to do Namaskara, for example if he comes to a function or pooja in our house. First Love and respect inside then Namaskara." He paused and continued, "God is in everybody Kishan, if you are able to see it and love and respect everybody you will be a great person"

"Sure Dad!" said Kishan.

****

# Chapter 12. Help is great, be it big or small

Shloka 2.40

nehabhikrama-naso 'sti

pratyavayo na vidyate

svalpam apy asya dharmasya

trayate mahato bhayat

In this endeavour there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.

As the summer season set in, Kishan's mother began to take more care while sending the children to school. Kishan and Chetana carried a bottle of fruit juice along with their water bottle. In the school, Kishan used to remind his friends often to drink lot of water during the break time. It was lunch time and Kishan was going to the canteen for lunch. On the way he saw Ganga who was sweeping the corridor. He knew Ganga from the day he had joined school. He said, "Hello Ganga aunty did you have lunch?"

She replied in a low voice, "Not yet Kishan".

Kishan saw that she was looking weak and wanted to enquire about her health but since he was getting late for the lunch, he continued to walk towards the canteen. Suddenly, he heard a loud sound and when he looked back he saw that Ganga had fallen down. Kishan ran towards her and she tried to say something but her voice was too feeble. Kishan understood that she was exhausted, and immediately made her drink the fruit juice that he was carrying.

She gradually regained her strength and meanwhile one of the teachers who had also seen Ganga falling down brought cold water, washed her face and walked her to the resting room with Kishan's help. There Ganga was given some lemonade and snacks and asked to rest. Kishan and his teacher came out and while they both were walking towards the canteen, Kishan's teacher said, "Good Kishu that was very thoughtful of you. Maybe if it was anyone else, they would not have responded so quickly. I am very proud of you."

Kishan politely said, "Thank you Mam, but what I did was a small help. When I saw her I recollected what my Dad had told me a few days ago that whenever someone is dehydrated and feels dizzy, they should be immediately given something to drink. It was you who then washed her face with cold water and took her to the resting room. What I did is a very small."

Kishan's teacher said, "Kishu, there is nothing 'big' or 'small' in help. What is more important is the intention to help somebody in need. The help that you offer to somebody with good intention will come back to help you in one way or the other today or tomorrow. A help whether big or small, sometimes can bring a very big change in somebody's life. The smallest help we do to others will save us throughout our lives. You must have learnt a Shloka in your Bhagavad Gita classes; it starts something like 'nehabhikrama-naso.......'"

Kishan then completed the Shloka as his teacher was not able to recollect it.

****

# Chapter 13. Focus on One

Shloka 2.41

vyavasayatmika buddhir  
ekeha kuru nandana  
bahu sakha hy anantas ca  
buddhayo 'vyavasayinam

O beloved child of the Kurus, the one who focuses his mind on his goal reaches his goal. But the one who is distracted by many things does not.

Final exams were nearing and Kishan and Chetana were preparing for it. Kishan's Dad had prepared a timetable for their studies. It was a Tuesday; Kishan woke up at 5am, bathed, drank milk and sat down to study Science. While he was studying, Kishan's Mother came in, kept a bottle of water on his study table and saw that Kishan was scribbling something on a small piece of paper.

She asked him, "Kishu, what is it? Are you sleepy or are you unable to understand the lesson?"

Kishan said, "No Mom, I am not sleepy, I am just not able to study, the moment I start studying, I starts thinking about how to complete Maths or what questions might come in Social Studies or how I can have fun after exams. Even though my mind comes back to Science quickly, mind again drifts away in other thoughts."

Kishan's mother said, "Kishu, it is not only you who has this problem, it's the same with all the students. I too had the same problem when I was your age. Final exams are important and hence there will be fear and anticipation about it, mind becomes restless. In such a situation, it is very important to stay focused. If you set a target, then your mind will think about that target most of the time. Do you remember the story in Mahabharata, about Arjuna and his Guru, Dronacharya? One day, Dronacharya was examining his disciples, he had hung a wooden bird on a tree, and the bird's right eye was set as the target. He first called Yudhishtira, Arjuna's eldest brother, and told him to take aim and asked him what he could see. Yudhishtira said that he could see the tree, many birds, and the sky and so on. Yudhishtira then took the shot and missed it. Many other students followed him and the Guru asked the same question to all, everyone describe what they saw, the trees, birds, land etc. Finally it was Arjuna's turn, when the Guru asked him what he saw; Arjuna said that he could see only the right eye of the bird. As Arjuna released the string, the arrow shot forward and pierced the centre of the eye of the wooden bird. Then Dronacharya said to his students that their answers had given him a sense of who was going to hit the target. If you saw trees, you are not focused, if you saw only the bird you are better focused, but still you are not focused on the right eye, if you couldn't see anything else except the right eye then it was certain that the arrow was going to reach the target."

Kishan's mother then said, "See Kishu, what you can learn from this story is the power of focus. Now, just like Arjuna, your aim should be to complete studying Science today. Now that we are talking about Science, I will also give you an example from science. If you keep a piece of paper in sunlight, it will not be burnt but if you use a lens to focus sunlight onto the paper, it will burn, that is the power of focus. When you aim and focus on one particular subject, then your mind will gain tremendous strength to understand and remember that subject. Now repeat after me this Shloka from Bhagavad Gita told by Krishna to Arjuna

"vyavasayatmika buddhir  
ekeha kuru-nandana  
bahu-sakha hy anantas ca  
buddhayo 'vyavasayinam"

Kishu chanted the Shloka with his mother and said, "Mom, as you said, today I will focus on Science and nothing else."

****

# Chapter 14. Focus without getting Distracted

Shloka 2.44

bhogaisvarya-prasaktanam

tayapahrta-cetasam

vyavasayatmika buddhih

samadhau na vidhiyate

Those who are too attached to sense enjoyment and material objects, and who are bewildered by such things, their mind will not move towards Paramatma (God)

Kishan's alarm rang at 5am in the morning. It was the day of their last paper. Kishan's was English while Chetana's was Social Science. Kishan woke up as soon as the alarm rang and tried to wake up Chetana too.

"Hey Chethu, wake up, its 5 o clock", said Kishan.

Chetana could barely open her eyes and as if talking in sleep she said, "10 more minutes please"

On the previous night, Chetana had requested Kishan to help her in her studies and Kishan had agreed help her on the condition that she wakes up at 5am.

"What did you promise me last night Chethu?" asked Kishan.

Chetana replied, "Kishu, I am dreaming about our vacation in Kerala after the exams."

"Chethu, it is better for you to stop dreaming about the vacation and start studying right now. If you do well in today's exam you can enjoy the vacation better", saying this he helped her out of bed.

When Kishan's Dad later brought milk for both of them, he saw Chetana holding her text book upside down. He sat beside her and gave her the glass of milk and asked her to hold the text book upright and they all laughed.

Kishan's Dad said, "Chethu, it looks like you are thinking about something else. What is it?"

Chetana replied excitingly, "Dad, I am thinking about our trip to Kerala. I am waiting for it eagerly. For how many days are we going to stay there?"

Kishan's Dad said, "We will stay there for 10 days Chethu." Chetana said, "Wow! Ten days, thank you Dad."

Kishan's Dad said, "Chethu, I promise to take you on a wonderful vacation. My dear, you do know that we are going to Kerala only after your exams are completed so until then concentrate only on your exams and nothing else. Don't you see that while you are thinking about the vacation which is to come in the future, you are wasting your precious time now? Will you be able to enjoy the vacation if you do not do well in your exams? If you don't do well in your exams, you will spend the entire vacation in Kerala thinking about your results instead of having a good time. How do you want to spend your holidays?

Chetana said, "No Dad. I don't want to worry about results during the holidays. I want to have a great time there."

Kishan's Dad said, "Do you remember the story about Arjuna and the bird on the tree which Mum told Kishu last week? You should be like Arjuna, concentrate and focus on one thing. Then your mind will automatically stop going to other places like Kerala and will come back to studies. Do you know about Ekalavya? He had only one aim in his life from a very young age. He wanted to be an archer. Like Arjuna, even Ekalavya was a great Archer. The greatest thing about him was that he learnt archery through a statue of his Guru Dronacharya. When Dronacharya refused to be his Guru, Ekalavya built a statue of Dronacharya and started learning Archery. He became as good as Arjuna. How could Ekalavya become such a great archer like Arjuna without the Guru teaching him? It was Ekalavya's dedication and his continuous focus on his goal that led him to success. He was never distracted by anything else in the world. His mind was focused only on archery and his Guru. That is the power of dedication and undivided focus."

****

# Chapter 15. Always be Satvik

Shloka 2.45

trai-gunya-visayaveda

nistraigunyobhavArjuna

nirdvandvonitya-Satva-stho

niryoga-ksemaatmavan

The Vedas mainly deal with the three Gunas. Rise above these Gunas, O Arjuna. Be free from all dualities and from all anxieties for gain and safety, and be established in the Paramatma.

It was a bright sunny morning with a good view of the nearby hills; one could hear the stream which was not far off. Kishan and Chetana were enjoying their stay in Pavan uncle's house in the village. Pavan uncle was Kishan's Dad's friend. They had met a few years ago when Kishan's father had come to their village temple to conduct classes on Bhagavad Gita. Pavan uncle had great respect for Kishan's father and he was more than happy to have Kishan's family as guests at his house. Kishan and Chetana were near the cow shed waiting for Mangala. They had met Mangala the day before and Chetana adored her. When they got to play with Mangala, Kishan and Chetana hugged her and pet her, they followed her wherever she went.

Kishan's father after complete his Pooja, came out to offer his respects to a cow, Mangala's Mother. As he approached the cow he called Kishan and Chetana to join him, they all then did Namaskara to the cow and touched its head.

Kishan asked, "Dad why should we do Namaskara to the Cow?"

Kishan's dad said, "Kishu, Cow is the most sacred animal. We do Namaskara seeing God in it."

"Isn't God in all animals?" he asked.

"Yes, God is in all but the cow is the most Satvik natured, it is pure" Kishan's dad replied. Kishan then asked what 'Satvik' meant

Kishan's father explained, "Every being has three kinds of nature, Satvik which is the good nature, Rajasic which is the aggressive nature and Tamasic which is the dull nature. For example, a tiger is Rajasic, it runs and jumps and kills, whereas a cat is Tamasic, it is lying down most of the time, sleeping. Look at the cow, it eats grass and gives milk to us. You very well know the benefits of milk. The cow is giving us the most valuable milk and in return it asks for nothing except some grass. Many a times, we have seen people beating the cow, sometimes they do not give enough grass to eat, sometimes they do not let the calf drink milk from its mother, even then, the cow never gets angry nor stops giving milk. It silently tolerates everything. Cow is the best example for Satvik nature, divine nature. It is said that Cow is the most favorite animal of God. Like the Cow, people also can be Satvik, pure and humble. Their intentions are good and selfless; they do well to others without expecting anything in return. They always wish and pray for the wellbeing of everyone, even those who have been bad to them; they are not angry and forgive easily. They treat the good and bad equally. They are selfless and giving."

Kishan asked, "How are the people who are Rajasic and Tamasic?".

Kishan's Dad replied, "People with Rajasic nature are very active and hardworking, their intentions are always selfish. They work hard not to help others but for themselves. For everything that they do, they expect something in return either appreciation or fame or some return favor or money. They are greedy, cunning, angry and jealous. People with Tamasic nature are lazy and wicked. They harm others, steal from others, and cultivate bad habits. They neither study nor do they work, they are a burden to others and derive happiness out of troubling others."

After listening to their father, the love that the children had for Mangala grew more and they both hugged her.

"Tell me, what you have learnt from the cow Chetana?" Kishan's father asked Chetana.

Chetana said "Dad, I learnt that we should love and respect all cows as they have divine qualities and we should learn from them to be Satvik."

Kishu asked, "Dad is there Satvik nature in me too?"

Kishan's dad replied, "Of course Kishu, there is Satvik nature in you both and that is why Lord Krishna is teaching you Bhagavad Gita. Learning, chanting and teaching Bhagavad Gita will make you more Satvik and less Rajasic and Tamasic."

****

# Chapter 16. Purify your heart

Shloka 2.46

yāvānarthaudapāne

sarvataḥsamplutodake

tāvānsarveṣuvedeṣu

brāhmaṇasyavijānataḥ

For the one who has realized Paramatma (God) the Vedas are of much use as is a reservoir of water in a place where there is flood

Kishan and Chetana were taking a stroll with their dad on the banks of the river in Uncle Pavan's village. They sat down on the bank waiting for the sunrise. As the sun started rising slowly, they got an outstanding view of the sunrise across the river. Kishan was admiring the sun's reddish orange colour that spread all over the sky while Chetana was watching the sun's reflection in the river. After a while, both the children started making mud toys on the bank. Chetana made a nice castle and Kishan made a big Shiva Linga and watched the sun fall on it. Kishan then recollected the Bhakta Markandeya's story where Markandeya built a Shiva Linga and Lord Shiva came out of it to protect his devotee when Yama came to take Markandeya. Kishan looked at his own creation and wondered if Lord Shiva was inside this Shiva Linga too. He asked his Dad, "Dad, I was just thinking about Markandeya's story looking at this Shiva Linga. Is Lord Shiva inside this Shiva ling which I made out of mud?"

Kishan's Dad said, "Of Course Kishu, there is no doubt in that. In fact that is what Lord Shiva's message to the world is. He is inside everything and is ever ready to protect his true devotees."

Kishan said, "Dad, you said that Pavan Uncle is also a great devotee of Lord Shiva, but I never saw him do pooja to God in the way Grandpa does nor did I see him chant Shlokas or sing Bhajans then how can you say that he is a great devotee of God?"

Kishan's dad said, "Kishu, let me ask you this, your mother takes you to the temple twice a week where you see so many people doing pooja to God, do you think they all really love God?"

Kishan thought about this for a while and said that he does not know.

Kishan's dad then said, "There are different kinds of people in the world, some love God, some are afraid of God, some don't believe in God and so on. All rituals like praying every day, going to temple, reading Vedic mantras are done to purify our heart, it is like cleaning our house for a special guest, now if God will come and sit in your heart shouldn't you clean it as well? Pavan uncle's heart is pure, he is completely clean, he is one with God, so he finds no need to do any of those things, not that he disrespects them, he has become completely pure at heart. Look at this river which flows continuously. You have also seen the pond in the centre of this village. Why are the people of this village coming to this river and not using that pond instead for their daily needs like washing clothes, bathing, washing the cows?"

Kishan replied, "Dad, the water in the pond is stagnant. River water is better than pond water as it is flowing water. When there is a huge river flowing which has fresh water available for all these things, what is the use the water in the pond? "

Kishan's Dad said, "You are right Kishu. Now this river is like God, and that pond is like our rituals. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna the same thing in Bhagavad Gita. All that is written in holy books like Vedas or Upanishads are to be followed by us so that we will be able to purify ourselves and understand God."

"How can I know if my heart is pure?" Chetana asked

Their father replied "When your heart becomes pure you will be filled with happiness and love for all, you will not hate anybody or anything. You will become a great human being, and to purify your heart you are being taught the Bhagavad Gita."

Kishan said, "Dad, now I understood why Uncle looks so pleasant, with a smile on his face all the time. Also, now I know the reason why you want to be here with Uncle all the time. Dad, can we stay here for a few more days, I want to know about God from him."

****

# Chapter 17. Taste the Love for God and his creation

Shloka 2.59

visaya vinivartante

niraharasya dehinah

rasa-varjam raso 'py asya

param drstva nivartate

A person may not get all that he desires. But, by experiencing a higher taste in spirituality, he is established in bliss

Kishan and Chetana are spending their second week at Pavan Uncle's village. Both of them made it a habit to get up early in the morning and have a walk with their Dad and Uncle on the bank of the river. Looking at the children, Kishan's Dad said to Pavan Uncle, "Pavan, I am surprised to see them enjoy nature. Before coming to this village, they both were not willing to stay here more than a couple of days, and now, they do not want to go back. Is this your magic?"

Pavan Uncle said, "Not at all, this is the magic shown by the God through his Nature. This fresh air in the village, the mountains all around and this river is doing the magic".

Chetana was playing with the sand and Kishan was walking towards Pavan Uncle. Kishan said, "Uncle I just recollected something. When our holidays started, we used to watch cartoon show on the TV every day and almost throughout the day. Watching TV was very very important for us. If there was a power cut, I used to get so angry. And during the exams time, though I did not watch TV it was always there on my mind. But, after coming here, I am very surprised that till this minute, I did not get the thought of TV. Also, I am not feeling bad that I have missed watching all those cartoon shows on TV all these days. Uncle, look at Chetana, even she doesn't remember about TV?"

Pavan Uncle patted on Kishan's back and said, "In our childhood days, we only had radio at home for entertainment and nothing else. We used to listen to everything aired on the radio. I remember my Mom cleaning it with a cloth every day. After a few years, we bought a TV. In those days, TV was a wonder for everybody. When the TV came in, everybody forgot the Radio. Did you understand what happened?"

Kishan replied, "Yes Uncle, with TV, you can listen and also watch, so obviously TV is more exciting and makes you happier."

Pavan Uncle said, "Yes Kishu, that is exactly what happened with you both. You are doing things here which you never knew before. Things like coming here every day and watching the sunrise and sunset, planting trees, plucking fruits and vegetables from the garden, doing yoga, climbing trees in the gardens. These activities are more interesting and you are happier doing these than watching cartoons. Here, nobody forced you to stop watching TV. You both have found happiness and enjoyment in these activities and the thought of TV went out of your mind. If you were forced to stop watching TV, then TV would never go out of your mind."

Kishan said, "Uncle, now I understand why you do not want to leave this village, you have found more happiness here than in the city, right?"

Pavan Uncle replied, "No Kishan, it's not like that. I have found so much happiness in the love for God that Village or City make no difference to me. I will be happy anywhere because I see God everywhere. Nothing else gives me more happiness. Your question was answered best by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita. He told Arjuna that, when you forcefully try to stop something it continue to stay in your mind but when you find something which gives you better and permanent happiness then everything else will become less important. Kishu, there were many kings who left their kingdom, wealth everything when they found that the real and highest happiness is in loving the God."

****

# Chapter 18. Watch your anger

Shloka 2.62

dhyayatovisayanpumsah

sangastesupajayate

sangatsanjayatekamah

kamatkrodho 'bhijayate

Constantly thinking about objects develops attachment for them, and from such attachment desire develops, and because of desire anger arises.

Shloka 2.63

krodhadbhavatisammohah

sammohatsmrti-vibhramah

smrti-bhramsadbuddhi-naso

buddhi-nasatpranasyati

Angry people are not able to think right, they lose their conscience, and one who loses his conscience loses everything

Kishan and Chetana had heard a lot about Maithri from Pavan uncle, Maithri was Pavan uncle's daughter. Maithri was a very pretty girl; she was a little tall for her age, soft spoken. It had been a week since Kishan's family were staying at Pavan uncle's house in the village, and Maithri had gone to the town to visit her cousins. From the moment she came back home she was loved by Kishan's family, especially Chetana who saw a great friend in her.

It had been two days since the children got to know each other and two worlds had come together. On this evening, Chetana and Maithri went to visit one of Maithri's friends, Radha. There, Chetana saw a beautiful hand bag that was woven out of jute with many colourful stones on it. Chetana looked at the bag with her eyes and mouth wide open. She has never seen such a hand bag before. She imagined taking that bag to her friend's birthday party which was next month. She could not wait anymore. Chetana asked Radha, "Can you please give me this bag? It's so beautiful".

Radha said, "I am happy that you liked this bag, but I am sorry I cannot give it to you. This was a gift to me from my mother for my birthday last year. She made this bag herself. I can ask my mother to make a similar one for you if you like."

Maithri could see the growing anger and disappointment on Chetana's face.

Chetana said, "No, I want this bag. You can always ask your mother to make another one for you. Please give me this bag. I can give you the best bag that I have in return."

Radha felt sad. She said "I don't want your best bag. Please understand that this is a gift. I cannot give it to you, if you want, my mother can make another one exactly like this for you. I am sorry, but I cannot give you this bag."

Maithri being the elder one understood that she has to leave the place immediately with Chetana. She told Radha, "It is very nice of you that you are offering another bag to Chetana. I will come later and talk to you. We will leave now, we are getting late."

On the way back home, Maithri saw tears in Chetana's eyes, but she did not want to say anything at that moment. Chetana came home, went straight into her room and started crying. Maithri told her Dad what happened at Radha's place. Kishan and his dad had gone out for a walk. Pavan Uncle went and sat beside Chetana, he gently wiped her tears. Chetana pushed his hand away. Pavan Uncle said, "Chetana, Maithri told me what happened. It's not your fault at all. You liked it and you wanted it, right?"

Chetana felt better listening to Pavan Uncle, she said, "Yes Uncle. I liked it very much."

Pavan Uncle said, "When you and Maithri went to her friend's place, you were so eager to meet this new friend and suddenly after going there, see how that small thing called the "hand bag" changed everything inside you and around you. When you saw the hand bag, you started thinking about it, imagining yourself wearing it and then you wanted it. When you like something, surely you will want to have it. Now, because that girl did not give you, you are so angry and sad. Chetana, do you know what you missed here? Not just the bag, but something more important than that, a good friend. Wasn't she good? Your anger did not let you see the goodness in her. She said she will ask her mother to make a similar bag for you. My dear, it does take lot of time and effort to weave a hand bag. You could have got a nice bag if you were not angry. You missed both, a good friend and a hand bag. Even though you are a very smart girl, you were not able to think anything else at that time because of your strong desire to have the bag for yourself, disappointment and anger."

Chetana replied, "Yes Uncle, even though I was angry, she spoke to me politely. I should not have been so angry and rude."

Pavan Uncle said, "That's alright Chetana. As you said, she is a good girl so she will forgive you don't worry. Remember that there will always be many valuable and many beautiful things but we should never make them more important than friends and loved ones. Anger will take you far away from good people. Would you be so close to me if I were an angry man?"

Chetana sweetly replied "No"

Pavan uncle continued, "Anger will wipe out the goodness inside you and make you behave like a monster at that moment. Later, once you calm down, you will feel very sad for having behaved so. Be careful when you are angry. Before you expressing your anger, just think about what has caused this anger in you? Lord Krishna explained the same thing to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita in two Shlokas"

Pavan Uncle asked Maithri to chant the two Shlokas which explain about anger. Maithri had a beautiful voice, just listening to her chant the Shlokas delighted Chetana.

Chetana said, "Uncle, can I meet Radha now and apologize to her?"

Pavan Uncle said, "Of course Chetana."

Maithri and Chetana left for Radha's house.

****

# Chapter 19. Anger makes you fall

Shloka 2.62

dhyayatovisayanpumsah

sangastesupajayate

sangatsanjayatekamah

kamatkrodho 'bhijayate

Constantly thinking about objects develops attachment for them, and from such attachment desire develops, and because of desire anger arises.

Shloka 2.63

krodhadbhavatisammohah

sammohatsmrti-vibhramah

smrti-bhramsadbuddhi-naso

buddhi-nasatpranasyati

Angry people are not able to think right, they lose their conscience, and one who loses his conscience loses everything

Kishan's father was invited by one of Pavan uncle's friend Mr Balraj to his house one evening. Mr Balraj was a wrestler and used to practise and teach wrestling in the village. Mr Balraj had heard a lot about Kishan's father and his teachings on Bhagavad Gita from Pavan uncle. He was eager to meet him and listen about the Gita from him in person and clarify some doubts that he had. Kishan accompanied his father to Mr Balraj's house while Chetana and Maithri went to Radha's house.

When Kishan and his father were near Mr Balraj's house they saw Mr Balraj waiting for them at his gate. Kishan got scared for a second when he saw Mr Balraj from a distance; Mr Balraj appeared like a giant to Kishan! He saw that he was tall and strong, had long hair and a thick beard but as they went closer Kishan noticed his kind eyes and his loving smile, and forgot about Mr Balraj's body when he saw his eyes and smile.

Mr Balraj prostrated at Kishan's father's feet and seeked his blessings. He then turned to Kishan and said, "Who is this little Krishna?" Even before Kishan could reply, Mr Balraj carried him up and made Kishan sit on his shoulder. As they entered the house Kishan introduced himself and they all sat down.

Kishan was going in and out from the hall to the garden listening now and then to the two of them talk. He overheard something about fighting and a question popped in his head, he immediately went up to Mr Balraj and asked "Sir, how many people can you beat up?"

Mr Balraj laughed aloud and said "Well, I was just telling your father that I have never fought with anybody in my life"

Kishan asked "How is that? Don't you ever get angry?"

Mr Balraj replied "When I was a Kid I used to be very weak, I was as thin as stick and everybody used to tease me, we were poor too and I could never buy what I wanted, I couldn't study well, because of all these I used to be angry. One day I saw my Kushti master. He was practising outside his house, I went straight to him and asked him to make me big and strong, he asked me why I wanted to become big and strong, I told him 'so that I can beat up people', he said 'come, when your anger has gone'. That night I was very angry, I felt so helpless and I was crying, that's when my mother consoled me and told me a story. She told me the story of how Lord Krishna carried a mountain by his finger and saved all the villagers from a horrible storm. That story changed my life. The next morning I went to the Kushti master and asked him again to make me big and strong, he again asked me why, and I told him 'so that I can protect and help weak people'. After that day I have never been angry, because I understood well about anger, when you are angry you can shout and break and hit and destroy, by doing all this you hurt yourself and others, but by being calm you can change, you can create whatever you want and you can solve any problem. People get angry because they have a weak heart, they may be big and strong yet they are weak inside and that is why they get angry. Look at your father, he is not as strong as me yet he has a strong heart and mind, does he get angry?"

Kishan replied, "No, I have never seen him get angry"

Mr Balraj said, "Yes! He has a pure heart, he wishes well for others, he always thinks about how he can help others, and people who get angry are always thinking about themselves. Do you get angry?"

Kishan looked at his father and then turning to Mr Balraj said, "Yes, sometimes, when someone says something that hurts me or when I don't get what I want"

Kishan's father said, "Kishan, when someone says something to you get angry, but because of anger you will start hurting yourself. You said you get angry when you don't get what you want but because of anger you will lose everything that you have"

Kishan asked his father, "Then Dad, how do I get rid of anger?"

Kishan's father said "You have to pray to Lord Krishna to free you from anger and always think about him, his qualities and his teachings, even when you are angry. Come, repeat these Shlokas from the Gita which tell how a man is destroyed and what role anger plays in his destruction"

Kishan's father chanted the above Shlokas and Kishan and Mr Balraj repeated after him.

****

# Chapter 20. Those who serve God are the greatest

Shloka 2.64

Raga-dvesa-vimuktaistu

visayanindriyaiscaran

atma-vasyairvidheyatma

prasadamadhigacchati

He is a Divine being who is free from attraction and aversion, who works and lives in this world among its people, yet he is absorbed in God within himself. He is ever peaceful

The timing couldn't have been better, it was Kishan's and their stay in the village was almost come to an end. It was decided that they would leave for the city the next day after celebrating Kishan's birthday. Kishan used to barely look forward to his birthday, it was just like any other day for him, and just like any other day he woke up, completed his morning prayers, and prostrated at his Dad and Mom's feet, then at Uncle Pavan's feet.

The others felt different, they wanted to do something special keeping in mind Kishan's birthday and they thought it would be a good farewell too.

Kishan's mother and Pavan uncle's wife were busy preparing a variety of dishes, Maithri and Chetana helped in the kitchen while Kishan and his Dad were talking to Pavan uncle as he watered the plants in his garden.

"How old are you now Kishan?" asked Pavan uncle.

"I turned 10 today", said Kishan.

"Wow! Well, I guess you must be missing being in the city, you would probably be celebrating with your friends" said Pavan uncle.

Kishan said, "No uncle! When I was 4 years old Dad and Mum took me to an orphanage for special children. We celebrated my birthday there; Dad told me about them and their challenges. We go and give poor children food every year on my birthday. Do you know that if the money that we spend for partying with friends is given to those poor children they can use it for an entire month for food?"

Pavan uncle was very impressed with Kishan's words and his heart was filled with joy. He asked Kishan "Are you sad that you are not able to do the same today?"

Kishan confidently said "No, on our way here I saw a couple of thatched houses; I will go and give them food later!"

Pavan uncle was almost in tears on seeing Kishan's great compassion at such a young age. "You truly are a very special boy!" he said.

Later that day Kishan went into the Kitchen after lunch to ask Pavan Uncle's wife for some food so that he could take it to the poor people nearby. When he entered the kitchen he saw that lot of food was left over. It then occurred to him that his mother and aunty had spent the morning preparing many dished, but he did not know who it was for and he quickly ran to Pavan uncle.

"Uncle, where are we going today?" Kishan asked

Pavan uncle winked his eye and said, "Where you will be very happy"

Kishan understood that there was a surprised plan to go to an orphanage in the village and he asked with excitement, "When are we leaving?"

"Well, go find out if everybody is ready, if they are then we can leave right now" Pavan uncle replied.

Kishan immediately ran to check on everybody. They all left home after a while to the orphanage. When they reached the place Kishan saw the board and read it 'God's Home for the Homeless'. As they entered the premises, Kishan saw various fruit and vegetable plants in the garden. In the garden were also small huts where the children were busy doing various things. Some children were weaving jute baskets, some were singing Bhajans and some were watering the plants. Kishan and Chetana were surprised to see small children do so many different kinds of work. Many of them were younger than Chetana.

Kishan's Uncle said, "Kishan, this is an orphanage being run by a noble person for the last 20 years. All the villagers often donate something or the other like money, clothes, food to this orphanage. Many children in our village come here and celebrate their birthdays with these children. Not only birthdays but during festivals also we come here with sweets. I hope you like this place".

Kishan replied, "Uncle, I liked this place the moment I stepped in. it is God's home for the homeless."

Pavan Uncle introduced Kishan and Chetana to the children and all of them together sang a birthday song for Kishan. Then, one of the children played flute and another boy gave him a small basket as a gift. Kishan was at loss of words looking at their affection. Some were calling him 'brother' and some were calling him 'friend'. They showed Kishan and Chetana their garden and helped them climb the mango trees and pluck ripe mangoes. Later, Kishan Chetana and Maithri distributed the food that they had brought from home. Kishan cut the cake and distributed to the children there.

Kishan and Chetana along with Maithri were playing with those children and they did not realise how time passed until his father reminded him that it was time to leave.

On the way back, Pavan Uncle asked Kishan whether he liked his day so and Kishan said, "Uncle, believe me, this is the best birthday I ever had. I wish to come here every year for my birthday. Thank you."

Pavan Uncle said, "Kishan, we all need to thank you, if you were not interested in helping children then we would have arranged a normal birthday party. I am very happy that you are more interested in helping other than having fun with your friends."

Kishan said "I have fun with my friends too uncle but Dad taught me that we should never forget to help the less fortunate."

Pavan uncle said, "Very true, these small tasks which you have been doing here are those that bring you closer to God. You have given the children of the orphanage a lot of happiness by bringing a difference in their daily routine today. You have everyday plucked flowers for God, you have fed the cow and you have listened to Bhagavad Gita lessons. All these tasks are nothing but service to God. God will surely bless you and be with you. He will always protect you all because you are protecting others as much as you can. The more help you do, the more happiness you will get. Helping others is service to God and when you serve God, he will make sure that you are going in the right path all the time. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that a man who spends his time in service to God even while he is involved in other activities is the greatest and he will attain the greatest."

****

# Chapter 21. Wake up to God

Shloka 2.69

ya nisa sarva-bhutanam   
tasyam jagarti samyami   
yasyam jagrati bhutani   
sa nisa pasyato muneh

What is night for all beings is the time of awakening for the wise sage; and the time of awakening for all beings is night for the wise sage.

It was their last day in the village with Pavan uncle's family, Kishan's family were to leave sometime around noon. Early that morning Kishan was walking with Pavan Uncle and dad on the banks of the nearby river. Pavan Uncle said to Kishan's Dad, "The children would be very happy if you can bring them here every year for their summer holidays."

Kishan's Dad said, "Pavan, I was about to say that. I want to bring them here every year. I have never seen them enjoying like this before."

Kishan sat down and watched the Morning Sun's rays fall on the river. He liked it very much. He said, "Uncle, I can't stop thinking about the time we spent here, I will miss you. You are the coolest person ever; you are so calm and happy all the time. I have never seen you get angry with anyone. I never thought that I will love you so much. I don't want to leave. I wish you can come home with us and you can teach us so that one day I will become like you."

Pavan Uncle couldn't stop smiling. He said, "Kishu, you are already like me. Look at yourself, you care for everybody, you care for the animals and plants, you are helping everybody around you. You have such good feelings for everybody in your heart. I see the love and respect you have for all your family members. I am very proud of you. Your father and mother are also very proud of you. You have very special with rare qualities. You are my little Krishna! I have a surprise for you!"

"What is it uncle?" Kishan asked with excitement

Pavan uncle handed Kishan a small gift. Kishan unwrapped it and saw a small idol of Lord Krishna. It was a beautiful idol, Kishan liked it very much.

"Thank you so much uncle! Have you got one for Chetana too?" Kishan asked.

Pavan uncle replied, "I knew you would ask me that, yes, I have got a different one for her, I will give it to her when we go back home."

Kishan's father asked him, "What will you do with this idol Kishan?"

Kishan replied "It will be with me all the time. I'll take it in my school bag to school and at home I'll keep it on the table beside my bed so that I can talk to Krishna before I fall asleep and see him when I wake up."

Pavan uncle laughed and said, "Very good Kishan, but know this, Lord Krishna is not in this idol alone, he is there everywhere, he is in all human beings and animals. Only if you are truly devoted to him will you be able to see him everywhere. People cannot see God because their heart is impure they are very selfish and unkind. Lord Krishna's devotee like you, will always be happy because they think about Krishna, they listen to the stories of Krishna, read about him, sing about him and hence The Lord's qualities of forgiveness, patience, love, selflessness come into them and they are compassionate to all just like Krishna. Krishna's devotees see Krishna in everybody so they cannot get angry with anybody but help everybody as much as they can and wish good for everybody."

Kishan asked Pavan Uncle, "Uncle, why aren't everybody devoted to God then? Some of my friends don't even believe in God!"

Pavan uncle replied, "Kishan, have you noticed something in our house? It is always clean isn't it? Have you seen anybody cleaning it?"

Kishan replied, "No uncle I have never seen anyone cleaning your house."

Pavan uncle then said, "That is because my wife wakes up very early in the morning and finishes all cleaning before you all wake up. When you are asleep you don't know what is happening and who is doing what. In the same way, many people in the world are sleeping even though they are awake. God is doing all the work in the world making your heart beat, making the earth move, wind blow and only if you are devoted to him can you understand it."

"How can we wake them up uncle?" Kishan asked

"You cannot wake up everybody Kishan because many don't want to wake up, they are happy dreaming. To help some people who are interested to wake up you can study and understand The Bhagavad Gita and one day when you are old enough, you can join your father and help many people like he does. Understanding Bhagavad Gita will save them from their troubles", Pavan uncle replied.

Kishan's father said, "Kishan, there is a Shloka in Bhagavad Gita in which Krishna tells Arjuna that Lord's devotee is always awake to the God inside him and he sleeps to the external world around him, whereas for others, they are sleeping to the God inside them and are awake to the world. Do you know that Shloka?"

Kishan chanted that Shloka and said, "Uncle, thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to experience the love for animals, plants and the needy people. I hope I can share this with all my friends back home."

****

# Chapter 22. Offer all work to God

Shloka 3.09

yajnarthat karmano 'nyatra

loko 'yam karma-bandhanah

tad-artham karma kaunteya

mukta-sangah samacara

Offer everything that you do to God. There is suffering in the world because people do not offer. Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform your prescribed duties as an offering to God, and in that way you will always remain free from bondage.

Kishan's father returned home a little late that day but just in time for dinner. Kishan's mother asked the children to chant the offering prayer before they could start eating. On seeing their father come the children waited for him to join. After a while, Kishan's father joined them at the table.

"Dad, I'll chant the prayer today" said Chetana.

"Go ahead my angel", said her father.

Brahmaarpanam Brahma Havihi

Brahmaagnau Brahmanaahutam

Brahmaiva Tenagantavyam

Brahma Karma Samaadhinah

Aham Vaishvaanaro Bhutva

Praaninaam Dehamaashritham

Praanaapaana Samaayukto

Pachaamyannam Chaturvidam

Annapoorne Sadapoorne

Shankara Praanavallabhe

Jnana Vairagya Sidhyartam

Bikshaam Dehicha Parvati

Chetana chanted the above Shlokas and all repeated. After dinner when all were sitting in the living room, Kishan asked his dad, "Why is that we chant and pray only when we wake up, when we eat and before we go to bed? Why don't we chant when we watch TV or before doing homework?"

Kishan's father replied, "Why do you say prayer in the morning and night?"

"To remember God and thank him" Kishan replied.

"Exactly, now can you tell me if you pray before writing your exams?" Kishan's father asked.

"Yeah, I do" Kishan said.

"You pray to him in your mind and that is also a prayer even though it is not said out aloud or chanted as a Shloka. You have to think about God before, after and during any work. Do you remember how Pavan uncle always says 'Krishna' 'Krishna' when he sits or when he is getting up or walking or carrying something, all the time? That is his prayer, he is thinking about Krishna all the time.

"Kishan, do you remember how he used to say 'Krishnarpanam' after eating" said Chetana.

Kishan replied, "Yes! Yes! I do."

Chetana asked "Why does he say that Dad?"

"He is offering the food that he has eaten to Krishna, he believes Krishna is in his heart and he gives everything to Krishna, not only food but after doing any work he offers it to Krishna. It is not important weather Pavan Uncle tells 'Krishnarpana' aloud or not. What is important is how he feels inside and I know that he always feels that everything he does is for Krishna. Kishan, can you tell me why he offers everything to Krishna?" Kishan's Dad said.

Kishan thought for a while and answered "I don't know"

Kishan's Dad said, "Offering everything to God purifies your heart and makes you less selfish, makes you kind and loving. Also, whatever you give to God, God will give you back more. For example, we have been giving food and clothes to poor children in the orphanages every year on your birthdays and we have been able to give more and more each year because God is giving us more".

"How is that Dad? We are giving food and clothes to those children, not to God" said Kishan. As Kishan said that, he got the answer from within himself.

"Oh I get it, God is in everybody's heart and by giving to people we are actually giving God" Kishan said.

"True my boy, there is nothing that God does not have, everything you see is his but by offering it back to him you will be showing your gratitude, this will please him and he will make you more able to help many more who are in need of help. Offer everything that you do to God and that will purify your heart and make you less selfish and also make you powerful enough to help many people." Kishan's Dad then asked Chetana to get the Bhagavad Gita.

Chetana wanted to give her father her copy of the book which she always carries in her school bag. She brought her copy and handed it to her father. Kishan's Dad closed his eyes and opened a page randomly, and found the above Shloka, most appropriate Shloka on the right hand side. Everybody chanted after him the above Shloka.

****

# Chapter 23. Respect Mother Nature

Shloka 3.14

annad bhavanti bhutani

parjanyad anna-sambhavah

yajnad bhavati parjanyo

yajnah karma-samudbhavah

All living bodies depend on food, food is produced from rains. Rains are produced by performance of Yajna (Offerings), and Yajna is born of prescribed duties.

Chetana and her mother were going through Kishan's older school text books to see which of them could be used by Chetana and which could be given to other children. Chetana was helping her mother by taking out the books from the bottom row of the book shelf. As Chetana's mother picked out a few books from the top most row, she found a Science text book, Kishan must have used it 3 or 4 years ago, this book brought back so many memories and she showed it to Chetana.

"Look what I found Chetana" Chetana's mother said.

"Let me see it Mum" said Chetana as she took the book from her mother's hand.

"I had been searching for this book for a long time now and finally we found it today. Your father and I had helped Kishan with many science projects from this book. Kishan was very fond of this book at that time. He wanted to do all these experiments. He was very curious about everything in this book. Just see if there is a chapter named Food Chain" Chetana's mother said.

On finding the chapter, Chetana exclaimed "Here it is! 'Food Chain'. Mum even we studied about this last year"

Chetana's mother said, "You did. Your father followed the same routine with both you and Kishan. Just like how he showed you the videos on how food chain works he had shown Kishan too. Kishan in fact wanted to go to the forest and see."

Chetana asked, "Dad took him to some village at that time didn't he?"

"Oh yes, after learning about the food chain Kishan asked your Dad about how we get food, so Dad took him to a village. Kishan learnt about the famers and how they grow crops and how those crops are transported to the cities. I think I have a few pictures of him dressed as a farmer. He wanted to become a farmer! He used to say that he will grow a lot of crops and make sure no one is hungry in the world" Chetana's mother said.

"Like Pavan uncle?" asked Chetana.

"Yes, exactly like him. Did you notice how Kishan used to go along with Pavan uncle to the fields? He wanted to help Pavan uncle in farming but it's not easy, it involves very hard work and sadly there was less rain this time", said Chetana's mother.

"All they have to do is pray to the God of Rain and it will rain Mum" said Chetana.

Chetana's mother replied, "Just prayer will not help Chetana, if you just pray and go to write an exam without studying will you pass?"

"No!" Chetana answered.

"Exactly, you have to study don't you? In the same way people have to protect nature, they need to stop cutting trees and destroying forests. Do you remember how in Pavan uncle's house they used to feed the cow well, take good care of it too and not just milk it? Cow gives us milk and it needs to be respected and protected. Can you tell me what all Mother Nature gives you?" Chetana's mother asked.

"Air, water, forest, trees, fruits, many more things" Chetana replied.

"Chetana, I am your mother, I only boil the milk and give it to you in the morning, I hug you and love you, but you need to know that there is a bigger mother and that is Mother Nature. She makes milk she makes the fruits and food. She is the one who really gives birth to you, nourishes you and protects you. Just like you care for me and take care of me you should for her too" Chetana's mother explained.

"What can I do Mum I am just a small girl?" asked Chetana.

"You are a small girl, you can do small things like watering plants, asking people not to hurt animals, feeding birds and when you grow up you can do big things, you and your brother together" Chetana's mother said.

"Ok Mum" said Chetana.

Kishan entered the room.

"Kishan, look what Mum found" Chetana showed him his old science book.

Kishan was delighted.

"I was telling Chetana about food chain and how you wanted to become a farmer and about protecting Mother Nature" said their mother.

Kishan said, "There is a Shloka in the Gita, Dad taught me recently, it's about how we get food through nature. Good God!"

****

# Chapter 24. Have a Great Role Model

Shloka 21

yad yad acarati sresthas  
tat tad evetaro janah  
sa yat pramanam kurute  
lokas tad anuvartate

Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. Whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.

Kishan walked into his parents' room looking for his father. Kishan's father was at the study table reading a book.

"Dad I need your help", said Kishan.

Kishan's father turned to Kishan and said, "Yes Kishu, tell me."

"I have to write a two page essay on my Role Model", said Kishan.

Kishan's father questioned "Good, so who is your Role Model?"

"It's you Dad!" Kishan said smiling. Kishan's father laughed.

"Well, I'm flattered Kishan, come here I'll help you with this. By writing this essay you should be able to inspire someone, help some, whatever you do should help you and others. By reading or listening to your essay others should feel motivated and be able to find strength. If you write about some person who everybody knows, someone they can relate to and look up to, then you would have written a great essay, if you write about me people might ignore it saying it's an essay by a young boy about his father", Kishan's father explained.

Kishan understood and said, "Yes Dad, who do I write about?"

"Well, who's your second favourite after me?" Kishan's father asked.

Kishan exclaimed, "Lord Rama!"

"Wonderful, you can write why Lord Rama is your role model, you can write about Rama's divine qualities, if possible write a short story where Rama exhibits great virtues" Kishan's father advised.

Kishan started writing the essay. After a few lines he didn't know what to write though he knew a lot about Lord Rama and had heard the story of Ramayana many times. He had also seen the animated movie on Ramayana, he had great ideas but he wanted to know how to express them verbally.

"Dad, I don't know where to start, there is so much I know about Lord Rama" Kishan said. Kishan's father who was reading a book now came and sat beside Kishan to help him with the essay.

"Let me see what you have written so far" Kishan's father read the few lines Kishan had written and said, "This is good Kishan."

"Dad, tell me a few points and then I'll write them in my own words" Kishan said.

"Alright, Lord Rama was an ideal son, an ideal brother, an ideal husband, and ideal friend and also an ideal enemy! He was an ideal human being, the best human being, God himself in human form. Do you remember the 16 qualities of Lord Rama that Grandpa Hari taught you?" said Kishan's father.

"Yes Dad, courage, kindness, forgiveness and many more right?" Kishan replied.

"Yes, you can mention about that. Every mother wants a son like Rama, every wife wants a husband like Rama, and don't you want a friend like Rama? Rama is great people like Rama are very rare Rama is beautiful both on the outside and inside. The reason why your teacher makes you write about your role model is so that you look up to someone great and you follow their footsteps and live your life like they did. Many people worship Rama but only a handful follow the path shown by Rama. Tell me what is more important, prostrating to your teacher every day or learning and implementing what she teaches?" Kishan's father asked.

"Learning and implementing Dad" replied Kishan.

"Correct. I am proud of you, you are developing the qualities of Rama, do you know how you have been able to do so?" Kishan's father asked him

"I don't know Dad" said Kishan.

Kishan's father held him in his arms and said, "My child, you love Rama, you pray to him and think about him, and because of this Lord Rama has come close to you, he is in your heart, he gives you strength and courage, you want to become like him, and that is why you are becoming like him. You will grow to be a divine human being who will help many people." After a short pause "Go on, continue to write, I'm sure it will be a beautiful essay"

"Thanks Dad" Kishan now had a fair idea what to write. As he was leaving to his room his father said "Oh, Kishan, you can use this Shloka from the Bhagavad Gita" Kishan's father wrote the above Shloka on a piece of paper and handed it to Kishan

"The Shloka says that people follow whatever a great man does. You can use it in your essay and write about how people need the right kind of role model like Rama, how people need to develop good virtues to live a happy life."

Kishan was now excited as he had great inputs for his essay. He went into his room and wrote a beautiful essay.

****

# Chapter 25. God is the Doer

Shloka 3.27

Prakriteh kriyamanani  
gunaih karmani sarvasah  
ahankara-vimudhatma  
kartaham iti manyate

Nature is the doer, the Gunas, Satva, Rajas and Tamas drive the actions, and foolishly men think that they are doing.

Kishan and Chetana were back from School. Something had been bothering Kishan since afternoon, he went into his room immersed in thoughts. Chetana was watching TV and Kishan sat beside her but his mind was on the sheet of paper in his pocket.

Kishan's Mother asked him, "Kishu, what's the matter? You look very serious."

Kishan replied, "Mum, have a look at this" Kishan handed the paper to his mother.

Kishan's Mum went through the paper and she was very happy. She said, "Wow Kishu, you are going to represent your school at the Indian Science Exhibition. This is good news. All the schools from all over the country are participating. I am very proud of you. Your father will be very happy too but, I do not understand why you aren't excited."

Kishan's father who was in the study now walked into the living room. Kishan's Mother immediately showed him the printout. Reading it Kishan's father hugged Kishan and said, "I am proud of you Kishan. You are representing your School at this great event. I wish you all the best."

Kishan said, "Dad I do not want to go there. I am scared. I cannot address the huge crowd there. I heard that President Abdul Kalam will be there as Chief Guest. I am already feeling nervous. They all are very very highly intelligent people. Please Dad, I am sorry about this, but I do not want to go. I know I am disappointing you, but I cannot do this."

Kishan's father and Mother smiled at each other and then Kishan's father sat beside him said, "Kishu, I can understand how you feel. I will not be disappointed if you do not go there. You have been selected by your school. That is more important. It is completely you wish. But before you decide and let your Class Teacher know about this, I just want you to think once more. Actually, this reminds me about an incident which happened in my childhood. I was almost of your age and one day we were asked to come prepared to talk on Mahatma Gandhi. I knew a lot about Gandhiji, because I used to read books a lot. If I had been asked to write, I would have been very happy. But this time, they asked us to come onto the stage and talk about him. I felt exactly the same you feel now. That day my father told me something which I will never forget. He said, "Why do you think that you are giving the speech? Always remember that God does everything through us. It is because of Him that you are able to understand what your Teacher is telling you every day, you are able to memorize and write the exams, you are able to teach your younger brother. Not only this, know that, God is inside us and taking care of our body each and every minute, making all the organs function properly, like the digestive system, liver, kidneys, brain etc. The big mistake that everyone does is that they think they are doing everything. They give the credit to themselves. Can you grow a plant all by yourself without the Sunlight or Rains? Never think that we are doing everything. It is God who is inside and outside us, who is doing everything in this Universe. Tomorrow, when you go to School, just think that it is God who is talking through your mouth and it is none other than God who is listening through all those classmates of yours. So, when God is doing everything, why should you in the middle feel nervous, as if you are doing something?"

Kishan asked, "How is that Dad, what about the bad things that people do, is God doing that too?" Kishan's Dad said, "No, that is done by people because they are totally disconnected from God inside them. If you are connected with the God inside you, then God will guide you properly all the time. When you decide to do something good God will back you will, you will be filled with his energy, and when people do bad things they are all by themselves, they do what they do because of wrong understanding"

Kishan's Father continued, "After listening to what my Dad said, I felt better Kishu. The next day, I just prayed to God inside me and inside all of them who were sitting in front of me and started my speech. You will not believe, but I got first prize in that competition. Kishu, you very well know that God is everywhere then what is that scares you? Are you doing anything bad?"

"No Dad" Kishan replied.

"God gives us the ability to do anything, now if we use it to do good deeds he will join us, if we use it to do bad he will teach us. It is great that you have been chosen to participate in this event, don't get demoralized by who is there or who is not there, just apply your mind to give your best. God is capable of great good, if someone is a very good person, if he is doing good then that means he has allowed God to work through him. Goodness is God" Kishan's father explained.

Kishan said, "Ok Dad, I'll do it. I'll pray to God to give me strength and I'll do the best I can."

"Brilliant, you have got my point! Let's see if Chetana understood. Chetana, I have a question for you." Kishan's father said

Chetana replied, "Yes Dad!"

"Tell me, if God is doing everything, does that mean we should become lazy and not do anything?" Kishan's father asked.

Both the children laughed.

Chetana answered, "No Dad, we should do our best and we should do good deeds, God will help us when we do good deeds"

"Then what is the meaning of God is the Doer?" Kishan's father asked

Kishan answered "God gives us power to do, without him we can't do anything"

"Exactly, you children are very smart!" Kishan's father said.

****

# Chapter 26. Anybody can change

Shloka 3.37

sri-bhagavan uvaca

kama esa krodha esa

rajo-guna-samudbhavah

mahasano maha-papma

viddhy enam iha vairinam

Bhagavan Krishna said: Desire and Anger are born from the aggressive nature which is inside all. Know that these are the real enemies that hide within us and make us sin.

The class teacher entered the class room and all children stood up and wished her like every time.

"Good morning class", replied the teacher. She opened the attendance resister to mark the attendance. One by one she called out the names and each one responded implying their presence. Later, the school principal knocked at the class door. On seeing the principal the class teacher stood up and invited her inside. "Please come inside Sir" said the teacher.

The principal was accompanied by a boy dressed in casual clothes.

"Good morning class, today, you will have a new classmate, this is Nishanth, he will be in your class from today" the principal announced.

"Class, let us all give a warm welcome to Nishanth!" the class teacher said.

"Hello Nishanth" shouted the class.

Nishanth had a sad expression on his face it was like he did not want to be there. To add to his misfortune he was made to sit in the first bench.

The principal left after having a word with the class teacher.

"Nishanth, why don't you introduce yourself to the class" the class teacher said to Nishanth.

Nishanth stood up and said, "My name is Nishanth and...." He paused to think "what else?"

"Where did you go to school before?" the teacher asked

"I'm from the US, I studied there, my Dad had to come back to India to work, that's why I am here" Nishanth replied.

"What does your father do? The teacher asked him.

"He's a scientist of some sort" Nishanth replied.

"What about your mother?" the teacher asked.

Nishanth took a deep breath, paused for a while and replied, "My mother is dead"

"I'm sorry to hear that Nishanth" the teacher said. There was silence in the class room for a while; later the teacher had the children take out their text books so that she could continue with the lesson where they had stopped in the last class.

"Kishan, please share your text book with Nishanth" the teacher told Kishan. Nishanth had sat beside Kishan in the first bench. Kishan introduced himself and moved his text book towards Nishanth so that both could see it.

The class was about Indian history, about British invasion and the freedom struggle. Kishan was very interested in the subject. Nishanth was fascinated too.

After the class was concluded there was a short break for fifteen minutes. Kishan shook hands with Nishanth. Few children from the class walked up to Nishanth and spoke to him. All of them were very friendly. Nishanth had not expected that everyone would be so nice to him.

"This is so weird" Nishanth said to Kishan.

"What?" asked Kishan.

"In the US, when I changed schools once I was bullied and beaten up on the first day but you guys are so nice here" Nishanth said.

Kishan wanted to know more about Nishanth's experiences but there was no time, the next subject teacher entered the class room.

The day passed by and Nishanth had a good time in the lunch break and the short breaks in between classes. All the children went home after school. Kishan returned home with a question for his father. When Kishan and Chetana reached home, Kishan found his father in the kitchen, helping his mother while she cooked.

"Dad" said Kishan and went into the kitchen.

"Hey, Kishan. How was your day?" Kishan's father asked.

"Good Dad. A new boy joined our school today! And he is in our class. His name is Nishanth, he is from the US" Kishan said.

"Oh, that's great Kishan, are you guys friends now?" Kishan's father asked him.

"Yes Dad he sits beside me" Kishan said.

"Oh that's great. Go and change now and we'll talk in the living room later" Said Kishan's Dad.

Later that evening Kishan was talking to his father in the living room. His mother was helping Chetana with her homework.

"Dad, why do Children beat other children?" Kishan asked.

"Why do you ask Kishan, did someone hit you?" Kishan's father asked.

Kishan replied "No Dad, it's Nishanth; he told me that when he was in school in the US some children would beat him"

"That is very sad Kishan, poor boy" Kishan's father sighed.

After a while Kishan's father said "Children can be bad sometimes Kishan, not only children, anybody for that matter, you are very lucky to have good people around you. Some people are too aggressive; they have too much aggression inside them that they end up hurting others and themselves."

"Why are they like that Dad?" Kishan asked.

"There can be many reasons Kishan, the way they are brought up, their family conditions; in fact it's hard to say. For example, a cow is good, a tiger will kill, if you ask why it will kill the only answer is that killing is its nature, in the same way some people are good, some are bad, but unlike a tiger humans can change. A tiger can't become vegetarian but a bad human being can become good. Do you understand?" Kishan's father explained

"Yes Dad" Kishan replied.

"Don't worry too much about it my boy. You are safe, you are a student of the Bhagavad Gita, the Gita will destroy all the bad in you and one day you will help a lot of people to fight against their own bad nature and become good people" Kishan's father said.

****

# Chapter 27. God is the first teacher

Shloka 4.1  
Sri Bhagavan uvaca

imam vivasvate yogam  
proktavan aham avyayam  
vivasvan manave praha  
manur iksvakave 'bravit

Bhagavan Krishna said: I taught this science of yoga to the sun God, Vivasvan, and Vivasvan instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Iksvaku.

It had been a few weeks and Nishanth and Kishan were good friends already. They both had a lot in common. It turned out that Nishanth's house was quite close to Kishan's. Their friendship brought their families close too. Nishanth was the only child to his parents, his father was a respectable architect and very wealthy, yet he was humble. After Nishanth's mother passed away Nishanth was taken care of by his Grandmother who stayed with him and his father. Nishanth's Grandmother was very happy that Nishanth now has good friends like Kishan and Chetana.

From a very young age Nishanth was exposed to Indian culture. His mother used to tell him various mythological stories. She had taught him many Shlokas and Bhajans too. Knowing that it would make his mother happy, Nishanth used to chant the Shlokas in the morning and before he went daily. Kishan, Nishanth and Chetana were now close friends who liked doing everything together including learning the Bhagavad Gita.

Kishan and Chetana had come over to Nishanth's house. The three first played a board game and then Nishanth and Kishan played a game of chess while Chetana watched. Nishanth's Grandmother brought some snacks for the children.

"The boys are playing chess, who will win Chetana?" Grandma asked as she placed the tray on the table.

Chetana replied "I don't know granny, I don't know how to play chess!"

"Is it? Well, didn't Kishan teach you? Kishan, why don't you teach her?" said Grandma.

Kishan said "I've been trying to teach her granny but she doesn't understand, Dad tried to teach her too."

"Don't worry Chetana, I will teach you how to play" Grandma said.

Nishanth was surprised that his Grandma knew how to play chess

He exclaimed 'How do you know chess Granny?'

Grandma laughed and asked, "Who taught you chess Nishanth?"

Nishanth replied, "Dad taught me."

Grandma asked, "Who taught your Dad?"

Nishanth said, "I don't know."

Grandma said, "I taught your Dad."

The children were very impressed. Chetana was excited. "When will you teach me Granny?" she asked.

"Let them finish their game and then I'll teach you" Grandma replied.

Nishanth turned to Grandma and said "Granny, after this game we all have to go to Kishan's house, for the Bhagavad Gita class"

"That's right, I forgot, Kishan's father is teaching you the Gita. Then Chetana I'll teach you tomorrow, OK?" Grandma said.

"Ok", replied Chetana

Grandma turned to Kishan and asked him "How many chapters have you completed in the Gita? What are you learning now?"

Kishan said, "We finished the third chapter last week Granny."

Grandma was delighted, "How nice. Karma yoga, I learnt that as a kid and I was greatly inspired!"

Nishanth then asked, "Granny, you taught Dad chess and he taught me right? Similarly, Krishna taught Arjuna the Bhagavad Gita then who taught Krishna the Bhagavad Gita?"

Grandma laughed, "That is a very good question Nishanth, and it's interesting that you ask this question now, I mean to say, that the answer to your question is the first Shloka of the fourth chapter, which I think you will learn in today's class."

"What is it Grandma?" Both Nishanth and Kishan asked at the same time

"Ok, ok, I'll tell you. You will learn in the first Shloka of the fourth chapter that Lord Krishna taught the highest spiritual truths to Suryadeva (Sun) first then Suryadeva taught it to Manu, who is the father of humanity, and Manu taught it to The King of Ikshvaku dynasty. In this way it was passed on from generation to generation" explained Grandma.

"Who taught Lord Krishna Grandma? You did not answer that" asked Nishanth.

Grandma replied, "Lord Krishna is God Nishanth, he knows everything, nobody has to teach him anything. He knows the past, the present and future. God is the first teacher, first Guru. In fact, he is the only Guru. He comes in the form of various teachers and teaches many things to us. Without his blessing, neither can anybody teach, nor can anybody learn anything. That is why we pray to Mother Saraswati and respect books. She is the power of learning and understanding in you it is because of her power inside you that you can understand what is taught. God in the form of teachers teaches you and the power of God inside you makes you understand."

All the three children were silent.

Grandma continued, "You children are very lucky that you are learning the Bhagavad Gita which is the song sung by Lord Krishna himself! You are being taught the Gita by a great man. Kishan, Chetana, your father is a great man, his heart is pure, he is so loving and kind to all, anyone who learns and teaches the Gita will become like him."

Chetana said "Yes Granny." They then left for the Gita class.

****

# Chapter 28. The Gita creates divine beings

Shloka 4.2

evam parampara-praptam

imam rajarsayo viduh

sa kaleneha mahata

yogo nastah parantapa

The Highest Knowledge, the knowledge of God was passed on from a Realized master to his student and so on. Over the course of time this was obstructed and destroyed.

Kishan was sitting in the living room watching TV while Kishan's Dad was searching for something in his book shelf. After a long time, Kishan saw that his Dad was still searching for something.

Kishan asked his father," Dad, what are you searching for?"

Kishan's father replied, "I am searching for a very old book which was given by my great grandfather when I was very young. I remember keeping it here somewhere. I wanted to get a soft copy of it before the book gets worn out."

Kishan asked, "Wow, did your great Grandpa live very long?"

Kishan's Dad replied, "Yes, he lived long. He passed away when I was 12 years old. I have a vivid memory of seeing him."

Kishan asked, "Dad is the book so important that you want to get that book scanned and save it in the computer?"

Kishan's Dad said, "Yes Kishu, that book is very important. While giving it to me, I remember my great Grandpa telling me that this book has been preserved by our ancestors' generation after generation. He was very happy with my devotion towards Lord Krishna at a young age so he gave me that book."

Kishan asked, "Dad, what is that book about?"

Kishan's Dad said, "Long time ago, when my great Grandpa was very young, he met a great Guru who was a very great devotee of Lord Krishna. I heard that my great Grandpa became his disciple and received the sacred teachings of Bhagavad Gita from his Guru. Those sacred teachings were written in this book. He wanted his next generations, my Grandpa, my Father to understand these teachings and pass it on to us but none of them could do that and the knowledge could not be passed on to me. Now, I want to read that book, understand the teachings in it and pass on the teachings at least to your generation."

Kishan said, "Dad why do you need to read from that book alone when so many books are available in stores?"

Kishan's Dad smiled, thought how to explain it to a child and then said, "Kishu, all those books available give the personal opinion of the authors. They do not contain the actual knowledge passed on by Lord Krishna. Everybody cannot give the original teachings that came from Lord Krishna. To understand these highest truths about God, one needs to have the Lord's grace. Only his grace will enable us to receive and understand the scared truths of the Supreme Lord. Only a pure devotee can understand and receive these teachings as they are and pass it on to others without altering it in anyway. A pure devotee is one who is very humble who simply passes on the teachings heard from his Master to his disciple without adding his own opinions to them. That is the reason why I am trying to safeguard this book. In fact this is what I will be teaching you in our next Bhagavad Gita Class. Lord Krishna said that over a period of time due to the changes that took place in this world around us, that pure devotion was lost and with that the original knowledge was also lost. Then Lord Krishna appeared in a human form to give the lost teaching to Arjuna and all of us in the form pf The Bhagavad Gita, so that it can pass from generation to generation and in all generations people can become free from suffering and reach The Lord."

Kishan's father then went to bring his spectacles while Kishan who was also searching along with his Dad, found a very old book which in a bad shape and shouted, "Dad, I got the book". Kishan's father came back and saw that it was the same book that he was searching for.

****

# Chapter 29. Be Krishna's friend and learn

Shloka 4.3

sa evayam maya te 'dya  
yogah proktah puratanah  
bhakto 'si me sakha ceti  
rahasyam hy etad uttamam

That very ancient science of the relationship between God and Man is told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend and can therefore understand this truth.

Kishan's Dad who was very happy on finding his ancestral book written by his great grandfather started reading out the book to his wife and children. All of them were so engrossed in listening to Kishan's Dad that they forgot everything else. When the doorbell rang, Kishan's mother opened the door and it was Nishanth with his father and Grandmother at the door. Kishan's mother and father invited them inside.

Nishanth's father spoke to Kishan's father and said, "My mother and I want to learn The Bhagavad Gita from you. When Nishanth told us the meaning of the Shlokas last night we realized that there is so much to learn about the Bhagavad Gita from you. Can we please attend your classes with the children?"

Kishan's Dad said, "I am very happy to know that Nishanth is sharing his understanding of The Gita with you. It would be my pleasure to share whatever knowledge I have about this sacred scripture with you all. You can surely come and join this small group."

Nishanth and his family stayed for a while and Kishan's father explained the importance of studying the Bhagavad Gita. After listening to Kishan's father, Nishanth's father was filled with joy. He developed great respect for Kishan's father and was happy to have met him. The session ended with a prayer and all the students prostrated to Kishan's father. Before Nishanth's father left, Kishna's father prostrated to Nishanth's Grandmother.

Kishan said, "Dad our small group is growing day by day."

Kishan's father said, "Yes Kishan, this is Lord Krishna's grace that we are able to do this service. Through this service of spreading his sacred teachings, we are going closer to Him. We will be able to get to know more about him when we get closer to him. The Supreme Lord is like the ocean and without his Grace you cannot understand even a drop of that. "Kishan said, "Dad will you now start teaching from this ancestral book?"

Kishan's father replied, "No, Kishan, these are the deepest understandings about the Supreme Lord. This cannot be told to everybody. While giving this to me my great Grandpa told me that he decided to give me this book because of my devotion to Lord Krishna which had purified my mind greatly. He said that this knowledge can be shared with only those who are pure devotees and who spend some of their time in service and study of scriptures and who are sincerely seeking to know about The Lord and unite with The Lord. Only such people are qualified to listen to this and only they can understand these deepest sacred truths about God."

Kishan said, "Wow Dad, I am very lucky that I could listen to this from you."

Kishan's Dad replied, "Yes Kishu, we all are lucky. Since you have been worshiping Lord Krishna from a very young age, you are spending time with children in orphanages and elderly people, your heart and your mind is purified and you are able to understand the essence of The Bhagavad Gita. One who worships God, who helps others by seeing God in them, becomes closer to Lord Krishna. His relationship with God will be like what Arjuna's is with Sri Krishna. Then God himself will come in some form and reveals Himself to his devotee. In today's class we will be discussing about the same thing. In today's Shloka (given above) Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that he is telling this Gita to Arjuna because Arjuna is a pure devotee and a friend and it is because he is a true devotee that Arjuna is able to understand the sacred teachings about God."

Kishan said, "Dad, now I understand why this sacred book of Lord Krishna's teachings has been given to you, even though your great Grandpa had so many children and grandchildren." Kishan's father smiled and asked "Why?"

Kishan replied, "Krishna is your friend, your heart is pure and you can understand his teachings."

Kishan's father laughed and said "It's not me alone you too are Krishna's friend."

****

# Chapter 30. God descends for the sake of his true devotees

Shloka 4.6

ajo 'pi sann avyayatma

bhutanam isvaro 'pi san

prakrtim svam adhisthaya

sambhavamyatma-mayaya

Although I am unborn and unaffected and although I am the Lord of all beings, when I come to the earth in a form I seem to go through life like everybody else because of my own Maya

It was a Saturday and Chetana was reading her comic book on Lord Krishna, which Grandpa Hari had given. Kishan and Chetana had a comic book collection of Mahabharata, Ramayana, Stories of Hanuman, Ganesha, Lord Buddha and many more. Kishan had completed reading most of them.

In the comic book Chetana read about Lord Krishna's grandchildren. She then asked her father, "Dad is it true that Lord Krishna had Grand Children?"

Her father replied, "Yes Chethu."

Chetana said, "Lord Krishna looks young all the time. If he had Grandchildren, shouldn't he look like our Grandpa? How is it that he doesn't look old? He has no grey hair and his body did not become old."

Chetana's father replied, "Chethu, Lord Krishna is the Lord of this Universe. Do you remember what I told you in the previous slokas? Whenever there is a need to teach us, The Lord takes a body and appears on this earth like a normal human being. Even though the Supreme Lord appears to us as a human being, he perfectly knows everything about his past lives (avatars). He is never born and he can never die but he appears to be born and appears to live like us just to help us, he gets old too when he is on earth but to tell that he is ever young inside, the artists always show him to be young."

Chetana asked, "Why does he have to do that Dad? Why does he have to suffer like us? He can do magic and make this world a better place and it people good right?"

Chetana's father laughed, patted on Chetana's back and said, "He can do anything but he doesn't because people don't want to change, they don't listen to him. Now tell me this, are there more good people in the world or bad?"

"There are more good people Dad", Chetana replied.

"There are people who appear to be good but there are more bad people, not that everybody is bad, but there are bad qualities in everybody, there are good qualities too but most of them choose to be bad because it is easy. To be good takes courage, initially it will be hard but in the long run you will live happily. Lord Krishna wants everyone to live happily and to help the ones who are devoted to him and are good he comes to earth as a human and teaches those few good people." said her father.

"Am I not good Dad? Why hasn't he come for me?"Chetana asked.

"My dear Chetana, you are a wonderful girl and that is why he has sent you into our family and he has sent me to teach you The Bhagavad Gita. As you grow older and understand the Gita you will see him one day but don't worry he is always watching you and protecting you."

****

# Chapter 31. God comes to the rescue

Shloka 4.7

yadā yadā hi dharmasya  
glānir bhavati bhārata  
abhyutthānam adharmasya  
tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham

Whenever and wherever there is decline of Dharma (Righteous living), O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of Adharma (Unrighteousness), at that time I descend to the Earth.

Kishan's Dad was driving the car whille Kishan and Chetana were playing a word game in the back seat. It was a Sunday and they were going to watch a movie. Kishan's Mum was in the front seat. As they were approaching the movie theater, at one of the junctions there was a huge traffic jam. It was a cross road and all the vehicles were jammed in near the junction point. There was utter chaos and there was only one cop and he was unable to control the traffic. Nobody was listening to him.

Kishan asked, "Dad what happened? I've never seen such a huge traffic jam in this area before."

Kishan's Dad said, "Neither have I, this kind of jam that to when there are signal lights."

Chetana said, "Dad looks like we are going to be late for the movie".

After a few minutes there a minivan pulled up, from which five to ten traffic cops got down. Then another traffic cop got down from a car and started giving them orders.

Kishan's father said, "See Kishan that is our City Traffic Commissioner."

Kishan looked at him and asked his father, "Dad why did he come here? My Mam told me that they are high officials and they usually don't come to direct traffic."

Kishan's Dad said, "May be an hour ago everything was peaceful here. Then some driver must have violated the signal and following him others must have done the same and hence this traffic congestion. Usually the traffic policeman who stands in this junction will be able to handle it, and sometimes when things go out of his control, then he'll call for help. This is a massive block hence the highest authority had to come into picture. He holds the highest power, and his presence will make the people obey the rules. When anything goes wrong very badly and it is affecting many people then the highest official or the highest authority in that area will come and control the situation."

The perfect example would be Lord Buddha. Some 2500 years ago when there was much violence against animals, Lord Buddha came to teach people about the correct way of living. He asked people not to harm animals. During that period when all the people were going in the wrong path, not following what is told in our scared scriptures, God came as Lord Buddha to stop it and make people follow the right path. In fact, Lord Buddha is considered as re-incarnation of Lord Krishna himself. His teachings were so powerful that almost entire country followed him.

If you remember, in one of the slokas in The Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna himself has said that whenever people start living without righteousness, then he himself comes down to the earth to teach. That is the reason why Lord Krishna came down to the earth as the kings at that time and many citizens too were not on righteous path. He came and taught people to do their duties righteously. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, 'When people forget the right path, forget their right duty, start doing all bad things and go in a wrong path, then I will come down to this earth to teach them the right lesson.'

Kishan said, "Yes Dad, I know that Shloka, I will read it out." Kishan along with Chethan and his parents chanted the Shloka (given above).

Chetana looked out and exclaimed, "Wow Dad, the road is clear. We can be in time for the movie".

****

# Chapter 32. God protects the Righteous

Shloka 4.8

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ

vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām

dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya

sambhavāmi yuge yuge

To protect the pious ones and to annihilate the miscreants, and to re-establish higher spiritual principles, I myself appear from time to time

It was 3pm in the afternoon; Kishan and Chetana were getting ready to visit their Aunt at her place which was around 300km from the city. Kishan's Dad came into their room and said, "Come on children, we have to start now. We should reach Aunt's place before it gets dark."

Kishan said, "Ok Dad, give me 2 min, I will bring my chess board and my Bhagavad Gita book."

Kishan's father said, "That's a very good idea Kishu. You can play chess with Chetana for some time and when you guys get bored of that, you both can chant Bhagavad Gita Shlokas."

After a couple of hours when they were half way through, it started raining heavily. The visibility of the road was so low that Kishan's Dad had to drive very slowly. It was getting darker and then suddenly the Car stopped.

Kishan who was playing with Chetana asked his father, "Dad what happened?"

Kishan's Dad said, "I don't know Kishu, there is enough fuel, the car must have stopped for some other reason. I have to get down and see."

Kishan's mother immediately took out two umbrellas and handed one of them to Kishan's Dad. She got down with another Umbrella. While Kishan's Dad was looking into the car's bonnet, Kishan's mother held the Umbrella for him. After a few minutes both of them came and sat inside the car. Kishan's Dad said to his wife, "I am unable to find the problem. This has never happened before. I am not able to call the On Road Service as the signal is weak. I guess we have to wait till it stops raining and then try to call the car servicing guys again".

It was very dark and they were quite far away from the town.

Kishan then took out his Bhagavad Gita book, kept it in his lap, closed his eyes and prayed to God for help. He told his father, "Dad, don't worry, I have prayed to Lord Krishna for help. I am sure he will help us in some or the other way".

Kishan's father said, "Yes Kishu, if you have prayed with devotion, Lord Krishna will surely come to our rescue". Chetana was very bored and sleepy; she started to sing Bhajans to make herself feel better. Soon it stopped raining and someone was knocking on the window. Kishan's Dad heard the sound and rolled down the window glass. There were two men standing out, one of them asked, "Any problem with the car? Can we help you?"

Kishan's father said, "Yes please. Our car stopped suddenly. Can you please find out the problem and fix it?"

They opened the bonnet and fixed the problem within two minutes. When Kishan's father turned on the engine, it worked fine. Kishan and Chetana screamed with joy. Kishan's father thanked them and they left. After starting the car, Kishan said, "Dad isn't that a miracle, Lord Krishna heard our prayers and came to help us."

Kishan's father replied, "Yes Kishan, Lord would always come in some form or the other to protect us when we are in trouble. Also remember that God would also come and punish people when they break the rules set by him. Example of breaking the laws of God are, harming the animals, destroying this beautiful nature around us etc. God came as Lord Rama not only to protect good people of Ayodhya and good Kings like Sugreeva and Vibhishana, but also came to punish bad people like King Ravana."

Kishan said, "That means God comes in different forms not only protect the good people, but also to punish the bad people."

****

# Chapter 33. One who knows God never suffers

Shloka 4.9

janma karma ca me divyam  
evam yo vetti tattvatah  
tyaktva deham punar janma  
naiti mam eti so 'rjuna

One who knows the reality of my birth and actions, he does not take birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.

Kishan and his family were busy making preparations to celebrate the festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Every year, they would decorate their house and place many idols of Lord Krishna. Young children from the neighbour would come dressed like little Krishna and little Radha, many of Kishan's father's students would come and join the celebration. Kishan's family would chant the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavatam. Sometimes Kishan's Grandparents would join them. This year Nishanth's family joined Kishan and his family in the celebrations. Nishanth's father had volunteered to provide food for the poor as Annadaana, which would be distributed after the Pooja.

Chetana had a new friend, a boy called Siddharth. He was of the same age as Chetana and they had met in music class. Siddharth's family was a family of singers, all great classical singers; his grandfather had recorded many albums; Siddharth himself had participated in many competitions and had won most of them. Kishan's mother had invited Siddharth to sing a song describing the glories of young Krishna. On the day of Janmashtami, Kishan's house was brightly lit. People had come dressed in their best ethnic wear. Kishan and Nishanth were dressed up like Krishna and Chetana was dressed up like Radha. Kishan's father had invited his Guru to come and speak a few words on Lord Krishna. When he arrived everybody prostrated to take his blessings. The program started with Siddharth singing a beautiful song. After the song, Kishan Chetana, Nishanth, and a few other children chanted a few Shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita, Kishan's father and mother later chanted a few verses from the Bhagavatam. Now, it was time for Guruji to speak. Guruji was in meditation all this while when people were singing and chanting.

Guruji asked a question to the crowd, 'Why should we have love for Krishna?'

Chetana raised her hand and answered, 'Because Krishna loves us'

Guruji was very pleased with Chetana's answer. He appreciated the idea that we should love someone because they love us. He explained, "People love God for many reasons, some want money from him, some want success from him, everybody wants something from God, but only few people want God himself. Only a true devotee of Krishna says to Krishna 'I don't want anything, I just want you Krishna'. Now, how many of you want Krishna?"

Everyone who was present there raised their hands. Guruji then said, "When you meet someone for the first time, you would not know anything about them right? After you get to know them you become close to them. In the case of God, it is different, you have to first get to know God through his stories and teachings, and then you will meet him!"

Guruji looked at the children and said, "Children, when you learn about Krishna through his stories you will feel that Krishna is your friend, he is always with you, and by studying The Bhagavad Gita you are learning what Krishna taught Arjuna. By learning it you will become very strong and courageous, you will get the power to achieve anything you want in this world. There is a Shloka in the Gita, repeat after me' Guruji chanted the above shloka.

He then said, "Do you know what this Shloka means? It means, one who knows the life of Krishna, one who knows how he lived with great compassion and love for everybody, and one who follows him and his way of living will become free from suffering. How many of you want to be free from suffering?"

Guruji smiled as everyone raised their hands.

He then asked everyone to put down their hand and said, "I have one last question for you all, what is more important, to prostrate to your parents or to listen to what they say?" Kishan replied first, "We should listen to what they say, that is more important."

Guruji said, "Correct! In the same way, it is more important you listen to what Krishna says and not just do Namaskara. What he says is in the Gita, so study the Gita and live like how Krishna guides you and by doing this you will reach God."

After Guruji finished his talk he asked Chetana and her friends to sing a Krishna Bhajan, all of them repeated after the girls.

****

# Chapter 34. Purify yourself to become free from all negative qualities

Shloka 4.10

vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhā  
man-mayā mām upāśritāḥ  
bahavo jñāna-tapasā  
pūtā mad-bhāvam āgatāḥ

Those who are free from desire, fear and anger, and who have purified themselves by constantly thinking about Paramatma(God), they reach God

There was a new animated movie out in theaters. It was based on the story of the great Dhruva. Kishan and Chetana loved the story of Dhruva. It was Kishan who told Nishanth about Dhruva. The three of them were very excited to go watch the movie and Kishan's father booked the tickets.

When they were on their way to the theatre, they saw a few people curiously watching something. Kishan's father stopped the car by the side of the road and asked a passer-by, "Can you please tell me what happened there?"

The man replied, "A dog was hit by a car and the dog is badly injured and people are watching the dog."

Kishan's father asked the children to stay in the car and he immediately got down and walked towards the crowd. Seeing the dog's plight Kishan's father felt very bad and he immediately carried the dog in his hands and walked towards his car. He asked Chetana to make some place for the Dog in the back seat. Chetana found a towel in the back and she spread it on the seat for the dog.

Kishan's father drove to a Veterinary Clinic run by his friend Dr Ravi. Everybody in the car was silent and both Kishan and Chetana were watching the Dog whose leg was badly hurt. They reached the clinic and Dr Ravi attended to the Dog immediately. After an hour of treatment and suturing, Dr Ravi appreciated Kishan's father for bringing the dog on time. He said the nurse would take care of the dog and they could go home.

On the way back, Kishan's father asked the children if they felt bad that they had to miss the movie.

Kishan replied, "Not at all Dad, I am so happy that we could save the dog. Obviously the dog's life is more important than the movie. I am sure Chetana is not feeling bad either."

Chetana said, "Yes Dad, I completely agree with Kishan."

"What about you Nishanth?" Kishan's Dad asked.

Nishanth smiled and replied, "It's no big deal uncle we can go some other time."

Kishan said, "Dad, a few months ago, before my summer vacation at Uncle's village, I used to feel bad and get angry if I did not get anything that I wanted. Now, I am surprised that I do not get angry at all. We all wanted to watch it but I also feel that it's no big deal even if we don't get to watch it. Dad, I hope you understand what I am saying."

Kishan's Dad said, "Yes, I have perfectly understood what you are trying to say and I am very happy about this attitude you have towards short lived things. See Kishan, when you start spending some time in thinking about God, praying to God, helping people around you with the feeling that you are serving none other than God then Lord Krishna will slowly purify you and thereby remove the anger, fear, jealousy, greed and many such negative qualities from you. He will protect you from all kinds of bad influences that are present in this world. That is why you never saw your Uncle shouting at anybody or expressing any like or dislike for anything. Due to his constant praying to the Lord, service to the people in the Village, offering all his actions to the Lord, Uncle has become one with God. In your story books you have read the life stories of many great devotees like Meera Bai, Tukaram who by worshiping the Lord all the time and became one with Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita says, "Always think about me, become a devotee, worship me, and offer your Namaskaras to me."

****

# Chapter 35. Many different ways to One God

Shloka 4.11

ye yatha mam prapadyante  
tams tathaiva bhajamy aham  
mama vartmanuvartante  
manushyah partha sarvasah

Sri Krishna says: People worship me in many different ways, and I answer their prayers accordingly. Many people seek many different things from me O Partha

Kishan's mother was helping Chetana with her homework and Kishan was playing in the front yard with Nishanth. A car stopped in the front of Kishan's house, a tall man got down from the car and was trying to open the gate. Kishan immediately ran and opened the gate for him. Kishan escorted him into the house and called out to his father. Chetana brought a glass of water for the guest.

Kishan's father on seeing the man said, "What a surprise Mr. Narayan! It's been a long time since we met. Please be seated."

Mr. Narayan said, "Yes, I have become very busy in the last couple of year with my construction projects. I could not find time to meet you. I see that your children have grown up and are much disciplined."

Kishan's father replied, "Thank you. I am very glad that you have come. Please tell me in what way can I assist you?"

Mr. Narayan said, "This time, I do not need any help. We are conducting a Pooja in the Krishna Temple on the outskirts of our city. A large number of people will be coming. I have come to invite this pure devotee of Lord Krishna here. Your presence will be a blessing to my entire family."

Kishan's father replied, "Sure, it would me my pleasure to be a part of a Pooja. May I know the reason for this Pooja?"

Mr. Narayan replied, "Well, this is to show my gratitude towards Lord Krishna for giving me a successful carrer. I have always worshipped Lord Krishna and prayed to him to be with me and support me throughout my professional life. Then, I came across a wonderful and very intelligent person who agreed to be my partner and we both have successfully completed many projects. The Lord has granted me great success. This is just a humble offering to The Lord out of Gratitude."

Kishan's Dad replied, "I am very happy that the Lord has blessed you with what you have asked for. I will surely be present for the event."

Later, Mr. Narayan left.

Kishan asked his father, "Dad, I thought God likes only those people who are pure devotees, who pray to him to get closer to him, become one with him. Only to them he grants everything they need, even though they do not ask for anything other than The Lord himself. Now, from what this Uncle said, I understood that God grants even money, fame, cars, and bungalows also. Are even these people called devotees of Lord Krishna?

Kishan's father understood his confusion and said, "I expected that you would surely get this doubt. Kishan, one thing never changes. Only his pure devotees can become one with him. They will be the closest to him, but surely Krishna listens to everybody irrespective of what they are asking for. It can be for things like money, success. Depending on what they need at that moment, Krishna will come into their life as that person, for example, in Mr Narayan's case Krishna appeared as his partner and then help them fulfill their desire. Didn't Krishna come as a friend of Arjuna, as a son for Yashoda, as a husband for many Gopikas? Just look in your case, was it not Krishna himself who came as Pavan Uncle and taught you so many things and brought so much change in you during your stay in his Village? When you pray to him, he will surely come to help you and give you what you deserve and what is best for you. Know that every living being is knowingly or unknowingly trying to reach the God deep inside their hearts but they will not know that until the right time comes. Everybody is trying to see God, because God is permanent happiness. What does everybody want in their life, only happiness right? For that happiness they try to do so many things and finally they realize that when they become one with God, they will get that permanent happiness and every other happiness is short lived. Krishna says in The Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna that he will give them what they deserve and what is best for them."

Kishan then asked, "Dad, if God is the permanent happiness why can't everybody pray to get Him directly. Why are they asking for temporary happiness?"

Kishan's Dad replied "Most of them don't know that they can ask for God directly, that they can see him and fulfill their lives, they don't know because they have nobody to tell them, and even if there is someone they won't listen to him or her because they might not respect them. You children are very lucky that you are getting these teachings. I want you all to learn well and grow up to be great teachers in the world."

****

# Chapter 36. We are all one family

Shloka 4.13

catur-varnyam maya srstam  
guna-karma-vibhagasah  
tasya kartaram api mam  
viddhy akartaram avyayam

Sri Krishna says: That he divided the people into four categories depending on their nature and actions. Even though he is the one who does everything, we should understand that he is beyond action

Kishan was waiting for his father at school. Kishan was registering for a national competition and his Father's presence was required in the school for filling up the application form. After Kishan's father reached the school they both sat down and started filling up the application form. Kishan's father was telling the details and Kishan was entering them onto the form. When Kishan was entering the 'Caste' details, he stopped for a Moment and asked his father, "Dad what is this Caste, How is that I am born a Brahmin and some of my friends are from different caste?"

Kishan's father replied, "I'll explain it in the car on our way back Kishan, let's finish with this form and hand it to your teacher, we must not keep her waiting."

Kishan filled the form and he went into the staff room to hand it over to his teacher. He gave it to his class teacher, wished her a happy weekend and left.

In the car, Kishan's father asked, "Kishan, you asked me about caste at that time. What do you want to know?"

Kishan said, "What is this caste? Why do people belong to different castes? Why did God create it?"

Kishan's father replied "First of all, God DID NOT create caste. It is a wrong understanding of people. Whatever was established in the ancient times was misunderstood as years passed. A very long time ago, when the Rishis lived, there was no caste system. There was a proper understanding between people in the society. Many people misunderstand this one Shloka in the Bhagavad Gita and try to justify caste system, the Shloka says, 'Catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah tasya kartaram api mam viddhy akartaram avyayam.' Lord Krishna says that 'I created the four 'varnas', Varna means colour, and this was misunderstood by people as caste. They understood colour as caste. Krishna says that he divided people into four colors depending on their inner nature and their actions. Meaning, depending on how our mind is and what desires we have he divided us into four types so that he can prescribe the path for each kind of us to reach him. Now what caste do you belong to?"

Kishan replied, "Brahmin"

Kishan's father asked, "What inner nature should you have to be called a Brahmin? How should you live in the world if you are a Brahmin?"

Kishan replied" My heart should be pure and I should, understand about God and help and guide people to come out of suffering."

Kishan's father said, "Correct! Brahmana means, one who has realized God, one who has seen God, and one who teaches about God, and one who serves the world, such a person is a real Brahmana. Can one become a doctor just because his father is a doctor? No, you have to study, work hard and earn it. Similarly, one has to study the scriptures and meditate and purify his mind and also he should serve the world, only then is he a true Brahmana. You see Kishan, Krishna recognized four types of people, first, the ones who are calm and silent, for them he advised study and meditation, then there were people who were very active and strong, they were not able to sit and meditate, so he told them to protect others and by doing that their heart would become pure and they would see God. Thirdly, there were people who had desire to make money, for them he advised to earn money in the right way and do charity so that even they purify their hearts and see God. Finally, the people who were dull and lazy, he advised them to assist and serve others so that even they see God. Krishna wants everybody to come to him, and he saw that people are different so he divided them according to their inner nature and their actions. Remember that anybody can go into any group at any time depending on their actions and state of mind."

Kishan asked, "Dad, why doesn't everybody know this, why don't you tell them?"

Kishan's father replied, "If someone really wants God they will ask questions and for such people I tell the answers, but most of them don't want God Kishan, and they won't understand even If you try to explain. Please don't talk about this to people who have no respect for you and are not genuinely seeking God. I just want you to know this so that you never look down upon anybody because of this caste concept. Will you?"

Kishan replied "No Dad, never, I remember what you taught me that day, everybody are God's children, we are all one family."

Kishan's Dad smiled and said, "You are a very special boy Kishan."

****

# Chapter 37. Seek from the Sadguru

Shloka 4.34

tad viddhi pranipatena

pariprasnena sevaya

upadeksyanti te jnanam

jnaninas tatt va darsinah

God is seen and realized by prostrating to a Sadguru. Ask your questions to the Sadguru and do service to the world. When you are ready the Sadguru will transfer the highest and you will be one with God

It was an early Sunday morning; it was quite cold when Kishan's mother came in to wake up the children. Kishan had set an alarm the previous night which rang precisely at 4 am. Kishan and Chetana had no trouble waking up as they were looking forward for that day's outing. The children had spent an entire evening listening about the greatness of the Guruji they were about to meet. Kishan got dressed in his white kurta and was waiting downstairs for his parents and sister. He was eargely waiting to leave. Around 5 am, Nishanth and his father arrived. Kishan's family got into the car and Nishanth's father drove towards the outskirts. They were on their way to an Ashram 200kms from the city. A great Yogi, an enlightened master had come down from the Himalayas to the Ashram. When Kishan's father learnt about him from one of his friends he wanted to visit him and seek his blessings. Nishanth's father volunteered to drive them there in his car.

"Uncle, Dad told me that this master is over a hundred years old. Is it true?" Nishanth asked Kishan's father.

Kishan's father replied, "That's what they say Nishanth, I am certain that he is very old. They say that no one knows how he came to the Ashram from Himalayas all alone."

Kishan asked, "Can he fly in the air Dad?"

After him was Chetana, "Can he do magic Dad?"

Kishan's father thought this was there right time for him to educate the children on great masters and how to approach them.

He said, "Children, you must not look at a master like he is a magician or a super hero. The masters are just like you, they are like children, they are full of love and peace because they have seen God and have become one with him. The greatest magic they can do is to show you how to find God and make your life beautiful. They can show you the way which will lead you to great success. When you go to a great master, have great respect for them as they are one with God, they are living Gods."

The Children were silent for a few minutes. Kishan then asked, "Can this Guru show us God dad?"

Kishan's father replied, "If you are ready, yes."

Kishan said, "I am ready!"

"Me too", Chetana joined, and then Nishanth said, "Me too!"

Kishan's father said, "The Guru has to say if you are ready or not, not you. Are you all hungry?" the Children nodded.

"When your hearts are hungry like that for God then you need to go to the Sadguru and ask him to show you God. Your mother and I are very hungry for God and that is why we are going to meet this Guru today."

Nishanth said, "I don't feel hungry for God uncle, what can I do?"

Kishan's father replied, "You don't feel hungry because you forgot about him Nishanth. Think about him whenever you can, read about him, read about great masters who have seen him, then you will start to miss him, and when you truly miss him and call him he will come in the form of a Sadguru and put an end to your hunger."

Kishan asked his father, "Are you going to ask him to show you God today Dad?"

Kishan's father replied, "If I am ready he will show me, but yes, I have a few questions that I want to ask him."

Chetana said, "What! You too have questions?"

Kishan's father replied, "Yes Chetana, when you go to such a great master you should ask him questions, not silly questions like 'why did God do this' or 'why did that man do that'. You can ask him the purpose of your life or ask him how to reach God or how to serve the world. Then he will teach you and show you the way and one day you will become like him. That is what all the great masters like Buddha, Jesus, RamaKrishna Paramahamsa, Mahavira, everybody taught. They taught their students deep secrets of life and showed them the path by taking which their one could reach God."

Nishanth's father said, "There is a Shloka in The Bhagavad Gita which tells us how to approach an enlightened master right?"

Kishan's father said, "Yes, children let us chant that Shloka, repeat after me."

All of them chanted the above Shloka

****

# Chapter 38. The wise embrace all equally

Shloka 5.18

vidya-vinaya-sampanne

brahmane gavi hastini

suni caiva sva-pake ca

panditah sama-darsinah

The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentle Brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater (Outcaste).

It was 9AM when they entered the Ashram premises. All of them got down from the car and Chetana ran towards the entrance. Kishan's father stopped her and said, "Chethu lets first wash our hands and feet. We are going to meet a great Saint in the Ashram."

Chetana replied, "Yes Dad."

After washing their feet, all of them entered the Ashram Hall where many people were seated. Some of them were meditating and others were singing Bhajans. All were awaiting Guruji's darshan. Kishan, Chetana and Nishanth followed their parents and sat down silently without disturbing the others. Kishan's father also sang a couple of Bhajans along with the group. After a few minutes, the Guruji entered. Everybody stood up and prostrated. People were prostrating at the feet of the Guruji. Kishan was standing in the queue and silently observing everything happening there. When his turn came, he prostrated at the Guruji's feet. Guruji hugged him and smiled at him. Kishan felt very happy at that gesture. Later, they all sat down. Kishan observed that the Guruji was hugging a beggar too, and he was very surprised.

The devotees started asking questions and Kishan was lost in thoughts. He wanted to directly ask Guruji a question which was disturbing him a lot but he did not dare to.

After sometime the Guruji started his discourse. While he was talking about God, he said, "I think that boy, over there, in the red shirt has a question. If he wants he can ask me now."

Kishan was shocked because the Guruji was pointing at him and he was wearing a red T-shirt. He then looked at his father, and his father smiled at Kishan and nodded his head. Kishan, who was nervous, prayed to Lord Krishna in his heart and then stood up and said, "My respectful pranams to the Sadguru. Yes, I do have a question but, how did you know that Guruji?"

The great master laughed and said, "The Lord told me!"

Kishan said, "A while ago I observed you hugging a beggar. Before we entered this Ashram, I saw him outside on the road eating non-vegetarian food. Eating non-vegetarian food is a sin isn't it? Also, I felt that the beggar has no devotion for God he came here only for the Prasadam but you still hugged him as if he was your own son and he is a great devotee of Lord. I am surprised."

Guruji smiled at Kishan and said, "Kishan, right? Your name is Kishan. For God each and every living being is very dear to him. For him all are equal. For me too, all are equal, I see my own Atma, God in every living being. For example, a mother loves her child no matter what the child does, even if the child is bad she loves the child, she might scold the child out of love but she still loves, and always will love her child. For me, everyone is my children no matter what they have done. Someone who does bad deeds is not bad; he is just lost. If you teach them the right way they will be good, it is as simple as that. There is a beautiful Shloka in Bhagavad Gita where our Lord, Krishna tells Arjuna that a wise man looks at and treats everyone equally. Do you know that Shloka?"

Kishan's father whispered the Shloka in Kishan's ear and Kishan chanted the Shloka. Everybody repeated after him

The great master now turned to Chetana and said "This sweet girl here wants me to fly in the air."

Chetana was shocked; she wondered how this man came to know what she was discussing in the car!

She said, "You can read our minds Guruji!"

The master laughed and said "No sweet child, how can I read your mind? Can you show me where your mind is?"

Chetana placed a finger on her forehead and said, "Here!"

The master said, "Are you sure? I thought your mind is in that girls bag" Guruji pointed to a pretty young girl in the audience who hand a fancy bag in her hand

Chetana was speechless; she had been staring at the girl's bag for some time now and admiring it.

Guruji now addressing the crowd said, "Our mind is like a monkey, it cannot stay in one place, it jump here and there, either into the past or the future, we can never be happy until we make this monkey silent. To make the monkey silent we need to meditate. Let us meditate now."

Everybody sat for meditation

****

# Chapter 39. A jnani does not go after the world for happiness

Shloka 5.22

ye hi saṁsparśajā bhogā  
duḥkha-yonaya eva te  
ādy-antavantaḥ kaunteya  
na teṣu ramate budhaḥ

A Jnani (Enlightened One) is not affected by suffering; which are due to contact with the material senses. O son of Kunti, such pleasures of the senses have a beginning and an end, and so the Jnani does not delight in them.

After a wonderful session in the morning on devotion, Kishan, Nishanth and Chetana were looking at the lotuses in the pond during the lunch break. Kishan and Nishanth later climbed trees while Chetana was busy collecting different kinds of flowers. After the lunch break, all of them returned to the Meditation Hall for Guruji's next discourse.

Kishan's father approached Guruji, prostrated at his feet and said, "Guruji, would it be possible for my family to get some time with you after the Satsang?"

Guruji replied, "Sure, why not?"

The afternoon session started with Bhajans followed by a wonderful speech by Guruji on Karma Yoga. After the Satsang, everybody prostrated at Guruji's feet, received Prasadam and left.

Kishan's father approached Guruji with his family members along with Nishanth and his father. They all sat down near Guruji and Kishan's father asked a few questions on spirituality while all the others were very silently listening to Guruji's answers.

Nishanth who was observing Guruji was waiting eagerly for his turn to ask question but he was afraid that Guruji might get angry at his question. He looked at his Dad and whispered in his ear, "Dad, can I ask him a question?" His Dad replied, "Yes, Nishanth, but don't ask him anything silly?"

Nishanth got disappointed thinking that his father too might get angry at his question. He sat silently dropping the thought of asking a question to the great Guruji. After some time when everyone was done with their questions, Guruji looked at Nishanth and said, "Ok, now its Nishanth's turn. I feel very happy when children ask me questions without any fear."

Nishanth looked at Guruji with a wide smile on his face and said, "Guruji, I heard that you live in a very small hut. I also heard that you do not have a lot of money. Why can't you ask God for lots and lots of money and build a big house with nice cars, good clothes?"

Guruji smiled and replied, "Ok Nishanth, as you wish! Let's say I will have a very big house, big cars, and very nice clothes. What next?"

Nishanth replied, "Then you can have yummy food to eat and you can buy so many things, you can sleep on a nice bed and then, you will be very very happy."

Guruji replied, "Fine Nishanth, but without all those things I am already very very happy right now. Why should I wish for all those things when I am already very happy?"

Nishanth was confused he asked, "How can you be happy without all those things?"

Guruji replied, "Nishanth, all these things which you think will bring happiness will not bring permanent happiness. Let me give you an example. You bought a new cycle. You are very happy. After a few days the cycle becomes old and you see that your friend has bought a bigger cycle which has some more new features. You will immediately start disliking your cycle and start thinking about the other cycle. The happiness that you got from your cycle is over and now you started feeling sad because you do not have that kind of cycle which your friend is having. Tell me how long the cycle gave you happiness? Only for a few days or months, isn't it? It is the same with everything in this world which you see. Happiness from the objects of the world will always be for a very short period. On the hand, there is something that gives you happiness forever. Can you guess?"

Nishanth replied, "No Guruji, everything becomes old or gets boring after sometime. I do not think that there is anything in this world that can give permanent happiness."

Guruji replied, "No Nishanth, that is not in this world which you are seeing, it is inside you and that is called God. God is the only one in this entire Universe who can give you permanent happiness. All the great people like RamaKrishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda and Gautama Buddha found that permanent happiness inside themselves by becoming one with Lord who is inside each and every living being. When they feel that happiness which is directly coming from God, they will not have any desire for the smaller and temporary happiness. A sage knows that real happiness is with God and it will be forever. Other people go on running behind all these material objects and finally end up in sorrow.

****

# Chapter 40. God is the receiver

Shloka 5.29

bhoktāraḿ yajña-tapasāḿ

sarva-loka-maheśvaram

suhṛdaḿ sarva-bhūtānāḿ

jñātvā māḿ śāntim ṛcchati

A person who knows that Paramatma is the receiver of all sacred offerings and austerities, and one who knows the Paramatma is the lord of all beings, such a person will attain supreme peace

The Ashram was conducting a 3 day cultural festival; people from all over the world were participating. There were musical concerts, spiritual plays, competitions for children and many other events. Kishan enrolled himself for the singing contest.

Kishan asked his father, "Dad what should I sing for the singing competition? I know so many songs!"

Kishans father replied, "Have they mentioned what kind of songs you are allowed to sing?"

"It says here that the songs have to be devotional', Kishan replied looking at the flyer in his hand.

Kishan's father replied, " Then it doesn't matter much which song you sing, as long as you sing with devotion. You sing beautifully my boy."

"Ok Dad!" Kishan said. He felt encouraged.

Kishan then went into his room and lied down on his bed and as he was thinking he fell asleep. The next morning Kishan woke up recollecting a nice song which he heard over a year ago from his Grandma. He was surprised that he could still very clearly remember the entire song. He then decided that he is going to sing that song. He immediately ran to his father's room and told him about the song.

Kishan's father asked, "Which song Kishu?"

Kishan replied, "Dad don't you remember that song on Lord Shri Rama?

Kishan sang a few lines.

Kishan's father said, "Wow Kishu, that is one of my favourites too. I am very happy that I will get to listen to that song after a long time."

It was the third day of the festival and the singing contest was scheduled at 10 am. Kishan was to compete against 15 other children. The audience was thrilled by the soothing and innocent voices that called out to The Lord. Kishan and a few other children touched the hearts of many with their innocent voice and devotion. There were tears in the eyes of many.

The next day, Kishan was eagerly waiting for them to announce the results. He was very confident of getting the first prize as his Dad told him that the song was mesmerizing. Also, after the competition, many appreciated him. The results were announced and Kishan got a consolation prize. He was a little disappointed as he was expecting the first or second prize. He tried to hide his disappointment and went on to the stage to collect his prize. Later that day he went to his room and lied down on his bed quietly. Kishan's father who knew his feelings went to his room and sat on his bed.

Kishan said, "Dad, you knew that I gave my best performance there and everybody else did some or other mistake while singing. I sang about God, and God did not give me a prize."

Kishan's father smiled and said, "Kishan, when you were singing the song, were you thinking about God or about the prize?"

Kishan replied, "I was thinking only about God. After I came back from the stage I started thinking about the prize."

Kishan's father said, "What is more important, the prize or God?"

Kishan said, "Of course Dad, God is most important. I know that."

Kishan's father then said, "Then why are you feeling sad? What are you feeling sad about? What God thinks is more important than what the judges think about your song. Your bhajan reached God and he enjoyed your song."

"How do you know that" Kishan asked.

"I know it because I saw it. I saw tears in many people's eyes when you were singing. You touched their hearts; you held them by their hand and took them to God through your song. Kishu, understand that yesterday it was only God who was listening through everybody. You have been reading and listening to so many great souls say that God is everywhere. It means that God is inside all of us and he is surely listening to you, from within you and from inside everybody. He was very much listening to you. He was enjoying the devotion in the song. He is inside you and he knows that you were thinking only about him while singing the Bhajan. Becoming closer to God is much greater than getting a prize. He is your true friend."

Kishan asked, "Can I not I have both, can't I be close to God and still win the prize?"

Kishan's father laughed and said, "Yes you can and you did but of course it was not the first prize, but still it was something. If you feel you have to win all the time then that is wrong. The right attitude is to put all attempts to win all the time but accept the result as God's gift. I am sure you remember what I told you after your Karate tournament. Winning and losing will change from time to time, but your relationship with God should not. Everything is his gift. He is the king of everything in this universe and everything belongs only to Him. The song came from God, your beautiful voice came from God, and the appreciation also came from God."

Kishan replied, "Yes Dad, I got it. Now, I also understood that it was none other than Lord Krishna who reminded me this song yesterday. He reminded me, he helped me sing the song and he appreciated me. I am very happy Dad. Thank you."

****

# Chapter 41. Walk the middle path

Shloka 6.17

yuktahara viharasya

yukta cestasya karmasu

yukta svapnavabodhasya

yogo bhavati duhkha ha

He who is balanced in his habits of eating, sleeping, recreation and work is peaceful and the path of the supreme yoga destroys all his suffering

It was way past their bed time but the children were lost in their minds, lost in their imagination. They were having a sleep over on the terrace. Kishan's father had spread out a few mattresses for the children to sleep after the story time. Once in a while when the nights weren't that cold Kishan, Chetana, Nishanth and a few other friends would have a sleep over on the terrace, Kishan's father would tell stories from the Mahabharata or Ramayana through the night.

On this night, Kishan's father had chosen to tell the story of Buddha. He beautifully narrated Buddha's life story and his struggle to attain enlightenment. Emphasizing on the importance of meditation and spiritual practices, Kishan's father declared that they all would have a yoga session the next morning. Having heard the story of Buddha the children were inspired to practice yoga the next morning.

Kishan's alarm rang at 5 am all the children woke up to get ready for yoga. They saw that Kishan's father had already spread out the yoga mats for all of them. The yoga session began at 5:30 am. Kishan's father gave the instructions, demonstrated and taught the children many postures. By the end of the session it was time for some meditation. As the children sat for meditation; the morning sun was pleasantly shining over them. After the session ended the children were feeling good and fresh.

After chanting the closing prayer, Kishan's father asked them a question, "Children, last night I told you that Buddha worked very hard for enlightenment, and I also told you that after he got enlightened he gave a path for enlightenment to people, this path had a special name, does anyone remember it?"

Kishan's friend Aditya raised his hand with excitement and answered, "The middle path!"

"Correct!" Kishan's father exclaimed.

Kishan's father explained "Buddha said that we all should walk the middle path. The middle path means to be balanced in anything that we do. Are we balanced now? No! we eat too much, watch too much TV, fight too much, get angry all the time, play too much, study too much, spend too little time helping others, spend too little time in keeping the body healthy and in meditation. We either do everything too much or too little. Can you all give me one example of what you do too much or too little, we'll start with Aditya."

"I study too much" said Aditya. Everybody laughed.

One said that he talks too much; another bravely said that she cries too much. Kishan said that he practices yoga too less and finally Chetana said that she eats less.

Kishan's father said, "Good, I'm happy that you all are able to recognize your mistakes. If you want to achieve anything in life, be healthy and happy, you must have a balanced life. You should not work too hard and destroy yourself or work too less and be lazy. When you play, play well, then when you have to study, study well. Do you know that Lord Krishna was a master of many arts? He was a great musician, a great dancer, a great teacher, a great politician. Whatever task Krishna took up he would do it beautifully, but we do everything half heartedly, incomplete! Correct?"

The children agreed. They were all smiling.

"The middle path means, whatever you do, do it beautifully, don't overdo it or under do it" said Kishan's father and asked them all to repeat the message.

All the children loudly repeated, "Whatever you do, do it beautifully, don't overdo it or under do it"

Kishan's father was pleased. They concluded the session and went down for breakfast.

****

# Chapter 42. A Yogi is reborn to complete his sadhana

Shloka 6.42

prapya punya krtam lokan

usitva sasvatih samah

sucinam srimatam gehe

yoga bhrasto 'bhijayate

The yogi who is not able to complete his practice, after many, many years of enjoyment on the planets of the pious living entities, is born into a family of righteous and rich people

It was a Saturday evening and Nishanth had come over to Kishan's house to work on a group project for the science fest at school. Kishan, Nishanth and Suraj were a team. Suraj was in the same school and Kishan was friends with him from preschool. However, he had moved to a different section later but they used to meet in lunch breaks and after school hours.

Suraj and Kishan had attended a robotics camp a few weeks ago. They were excited to build a basic robo prototype for the science fair. Nishanth had some knowledge on the topic as he too had learnt about this in the US.

"Do you think that someday it is really possible that there will be robots just the humans, like how they show in the movies?" Nishanth asked the other two.

Kishan said, "Yeah maybe, after many many years!"

Suraj said, "Maybe after we grow up we can make one ourselves."

Kishan's mother walked into the room at that time with some snacks for the children. She asked them, "What will you boys make?"

Nishanth answered, "Aunty, Suraj was saying that when we grow up we will get together and make a robot that is exactly like a human being."

Kishan's mother smiled and said, "That's nice, do you know the story of the scientist who did the same?"

Kishan said, "No Mum, please tell us"

"There was once a scientist, he built a robot that looked like a real human, and behaved like one too. He became so proud that he was able to do what God did and he called out to God and said 'we are now able to create humans like you do; we don't need you anymore'. God appeared and said, 'fine, if you don't need me I will go away, but lets have a contest first, let us both build a human and see which one is better.' The scientist agreed. The scientist picked up mud to put it into his machine to start and God immediately stopped him and said 'wait, you have to bring your own mud!'"

The children understood the story and laughed.

Kishan's mother said, "You boys don't become like that proud scientist. Make your robot and teach your robot to be kind. When you make a robot make sure he is humble and has great power of love to help and protect everybody."

Suraj asked, "Aunty, why did God make some humans good and some humans bad?"

Kishan's mother answered, "God did not make anybody good or bad. It is because of their past actions that some are good and some are bad. For example some children are very brilliant from a very young age, and some are slow, it is because of what they have done in their past lives. All their efforts and hard work from the past life will help them in this life. That is why some are rich, some poor, some good some bad. It is all because of what they have done in their past lives. You boys are very lucky, you must have definitely done good deeds and must have been great Yogis in your past lives and that is why you are born here where there are Gurus and where The Bhagavad Gita is being taught."

Kishan asked, "Mum, if I was a great Yogi then why didn't I become one with God like Buddha."

Kishan's mother explained, "Maybe because you did not complete your practice. Buddha worked for 500 lifetimes to become Buddha. Each time he would come to become more and more purified and finally he became Buddha."

Nishanth said, "Then I wonder how many times we need to come."

Kishan's mother said, "Don't worry about that. If you meet a Sadguru and become his disciple, you will get enlightened in this lifetime and see God."

****

# Chapter 43. Know that God is within you

Shloka 6.47

yoginam api sarvesam

mad gatenantar atmana

sraddhavan bhajate yo mam

sa me yuktatamo matah

Of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides in God thinks of God within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to God, he is the most intimately united with God in yoga and is the highest of all.

Kishan ran to his father with a book in his hand. His father was in his room writing something.

Kishan said, "Dad, look at this, it says here that this Yogi is more than 500 years old and that he might still be somewhere in the Himalayas. It says that he does not eat or drink anything, nor does he move from his place, he is meditating all the time."

Kishan showed a picture of this Yogi from the book. It was book that was gifted by one of his cousins. The picture showed an old man meditating in the lotus posture. This man had long hair and a long beard and was wear only a loin cloth.

Kishan continued, "How can I ever see God if I don't do these Dad? From the time I woke up I am sad, I miss God, I don't know, it is like I know him, I know he is there somewhere and I just want to be with him, I want to see him!"

Kishan's father said, "Kishan, I understand how you feel, but you don't have to be sad, you don't have to think that only if you sit like this man you will see God. This man is keeping his mind on God. You can do that with your eyes open, correct?"

"How is that Dad?" Kishan asked.

"Krishna says that all you have to do is constantly think about him, he doesn't say that you have to go to a mountain and starve. He says that wherever you are, if you think constantly about him, he will come to you" explained Kishan's father.

"I think about him so a lot Dad, when I wake up, when I sleep, and throughout the day, but he hasn't come."

"Hasn't he come? He has come as your family, as your teachers, as your friends, as all the people who have helped you. Most importantly, he has come as the teaching of The Bhagavad Gita. Remember that Krishna and his Bhagavad Gita are the same. He is teaching you The Gita so that your heart becomes more pure and one day it can take all his energy."

"I can take his energy right now!" exclaimed Kishan.

Kishan's father smiled and said, "You can, yes. I have seen so much of Krishna in you, but if you want more, you have to wait, and you have to work. Just learn The Gita and understand it. The day you have understood The Gita completely is the day you will see him. Have you understood The Gita completely?"

Kishan said "No."

"I'm here to help you son. You should be happy that you have a personal teacher. Are you happy?"

Kishan smiled and said, "Yeah, I'm happy that I have a personal Guru in my house."

Kishan hugged his father and went back to his room.

****

# Chapter 44. Only a few know him

Shloka 7.3

manusyanam sahasresu

kascid yatati siddhaye

yatatam api siddhanam

kascin mam vetti tattvatah

Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Paramatma (God) in truth.

Chetana was growing to be a good artist. She had been taking art classes and learning different styles of painting and drawing for a few months now. Her parents encouraged her to do a painting and send to the newspaper. There was one section in the newspaper that showcased artwork of young children every week. This newspaper would select one painting out of the showcased ones every month and declare it as the best and that child would be given a special prize and their photo would be published in the newspaper as the contest winner.

Chetana was working on her painting. She was very excited when she stared to paint but as she was painting, she felt that it was not going well. She did not quite like what she had done so far. Her father was with her helping her.

"I don't like it, this is not nice", said Chetana.

Her father said, "It is fine Chetana, it is not completed yet. Complete it and I'm sure it'll be beautiful."

"No, I don't want to, I can't do it. See these drawings, all those children have done so well", Chetana held out last week's newspaper and showed her father the drawings.

"They won't put my drawing in the paper, forget about winning the contest", she said.

Her father calmly explained, "Chetana, do you know how many children send their drawings for this newspaper?"

Chetana said, "Hundred?"

Her father smiled and said, "More than that, way more. Many children will do well. Now see here, this girl won the contest last month", he showed her the picture of the girl who won the contest last month from last month's newspaper "what if she had given up like you mid way, could she have won the prize?"

"Her painting is so nice, mine is not!" Chetana said.

Her father replied, "So is yours! Your painting is coming out good. Don't give up. Many children sent their drawings, this girl did too. Do you know why she won? It is because she believed that her painting was good and she could win. Do you remember what I taught you in the last Bhagavad Gita class, I explained how many people try to reach God, thousands go to temple and do meditation etc but only one or two see God, do you know why?"

Chetana was quiet.

"It is because they have utmost faith in God. They believe that they will definitely see him. Such belief is only in a few people. Others give up when God does not show. Some try and try, and as they try harder their love for him increases. Similary, as you try harder you will start loving painting and when you love to paint, you will do beautiful paintings, and prize will definitely come one day. Just have faith."

Chetana said "Yes Dad, I love to paint. I'll do this painting, let's see if I'll win."

Her father said, "Great, paint away my super girl!"

****

# Chapter 45. God became the world

Shloka 7.4

bhumir apo nalo vayuh

kham mano buddhir eva ca

ahankara itiyam me

bhinna prakrtir astadha

Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence and false ego all together these eight constitute Paramatma's (God) separated material energies.

Kishan and his friends were playing on the street in front of their house when a big truck pulled over by the end of the road. There was come construction work going on and this truck dumped tons of mud and stone by the road. The boys watched as the truck unloaded the sand, and they saw that there were some shiny particles in the sand. Once the truck drove off the children went towards the sand to play.

One of the boys, Purav found a seashell in the sand, "Hey, look what I found!" he said.

The others were now excited to see what they would find in the sand. Kishan was trying to build a cave and he found a beautiful white stone. He held it out to show his friends. One of the new boys in the group snatched the stone and ran away. No one knew where he lived. He was not from their street. Kishan did not run behind him as the boy was too fast, he snatched it in a split second and run away very fast. Kishan was sad, in one Moment he was so excited and the next it was taken away from him.

"Who is that boy?" Kishan asked. Purav said, "We don't know, we met him today, he asked us if he can play with us and we agreed."

"Did you ask him his name?" Kishan enquired.

Another boy said, "He said his name was Gopal." Kishan immediately ran home.

"Mum, I saw Krishna today! Mum, I saw Krishna today!" Kishan said loudly as he entered the house. His mother was in the kitchen when she heard this. She was curious to know what happened. Kishan ran to the kitchen and again said, "Mum I saw Krishna!"

His mother was surprised. She said, "Oh really, where?"

Kishan said, "He came as a boy. I found a white stone in the sand and he snatched it away from me and ran away. I have never seen this boy before. He had told my friends that his name is Gopal!"

"How do you know its Krishna? It can be some boy from the other street?" Asked Kishan's mother

Kishan replied, "No Mum. Yesterday, Dad was explaining in The Gita class that Krishna used himself to create this world. Like how we use stone, mud and cement to build a house, Krishna used himself to build this universe. He became stone, he became fire, he became the tree and the whole world too. Then I had a question and I asked Dad, 'if Krishna became everything then does that mean Krishna is everything, is stone Krishna, is fire Krishna?' and Dad said 'yes Krishna is everything but his full power comes out only through the body of a Guru and not in stone'. At that moment I spoke to Krishna in my heart and asked him to show me how he is in the stone and today he came as a boy and stole a stone from me!"

Kishan's mother was filled with joy, she asked, "Did Krishna show you how he is in the stone?"

Kishan answered, "Yes Mum, as he ran away I could only see the stone moving away from us, I could not see him anymore, then I closed my eyes and I could see this boy's face, smiling at me, then he winked at me and disappeared in my mind"

Kishan's mother hugged him tight and said, "I'm so happy for you my boy."

Kishan said, "Mum can I call Dad and tell him this now?"

"Yes, but first lets thank Krishna. Come to the Pooja room", said his mother.

Kishan and his mother when and prostrated to the idol of Krishna in their Pooja room.

As Kishan stood in front of the idol of Krishna with his eyes closed, he could see the beautiful face of that boy Gopala again and again. The boy smiled and vanished within Kishan.

****

# Chapter 46. The two energies of God

Shloka 7.5

apareyam itas tv anyam

prakrtim viddhi me param

jiva bhutam maha baho

yayedam dharyate jagat

O mighty armed Arjuna, there is another, superior energy of Mine, which comprises the living entities who are exploiting the resources of this material, inferior nature.

Kishan's father and mother were discussing something secretly. The children could see that they were talking about them. When they saw Kishan and Chetana, their parents just smiled and lowered their voices and continued to whisper. Kishan and Chetana had a feeling that there was some surprise and that their parents were planning something. They could not figure out what it was, it was not anybody's birthday, there was no festival approaching, and it was raining heavily outside so they could not go out anywhere. What the surprise would be, they thought.

After a while the doorbell rang and Kishan's father asked Kishan and Chetana both to go open the door. The children were excited for they knew that there was some surprise waiting for them on the other end. They open the door and they could not believe what they saw, they were extremely happy. It was Grandpa Hari. He had come from the US. He hugged both the children and entered the house with great joy.

Kishan said, "I'm so happy to see you Grandpa!"

Grandpa Hari said, "I'm very happy too Kishan, I wanted to surprise you both so I asked your parents not to tell anything to you, were you surprised?"

Chetana said, "Yes, and very happy!"

Kishan's father asked the children to give Grandpa some time to change and freshen up and Grandpa Hari went into the guest room. Kishna helped his father to take Grandpa Hari's bags to the guest room. Kishan was eagerly waiting to tell his story to Grandpa Hari. He wanted to tell him about seeing Krishna.

Kishan's mother sent some hot tea with Chetana for Grandpa Hari. Grandpa Hari changed and came out of the room.

"Thank you my angel", he said taking the cup of tea from the tray Chetana held. He sipped the tea and sat down on the bed beside Kishan.

Kishan's father said, "You both can talk to Grandpa for sometime now and then allow him to rest. We will all sit together again in the evening and talk" and left the room.

Kishan said, "Grandpa, I saw Krishna!"

He then told Grandpa the whole story of what had happened a few days ago. Grandpa Hari listened carefully. He very happy, he hugged Kishan and said, "You are very blessed young man and my little Radha here too", he then hugged Chetana.

Grandpa Hari said, "I have brought something very special for you both this time."

Chetana asked, "What is it Grandpa?"

Grandpa Hari said, "Wait, not just yet, I'm going to test you first. If you pass the test then I'll give you the presents right now, or else" he paused and smiled "I'll give you in the evening."

The children were excited.

Grandpa Hari said, "Both of you first chant The Bhagavad Gita Shloka you learnt in the last class."

Kishan and Chetana chanted the above Shloka

"Wow, beautiful. Now who can tell me what this Shloka means? " asked Grandpa Hari.

Chetana raised her hands and said, "Me! Me! It means that Krishna has 2 bodies, one is the higher body and other is the lower body."

Grandpa Hari said, "Good and what does he use the lower body for?"

Kishan answered quickly, "For creation! With the lower body he becomes the world, he becomes earth, fire, stone, everything."

Grandpa Hari then asked Chetana to tell about the higher body.

Chetana said, "With the higher body he becomes Atma and he makes everything alive."

Grandpa Hari said, "Very good. Who taught you this?"

The children said that their father did.

Grandpa Hari said, "That is so nice, I'm very happy that you both are studying The Bhagavad Gita and understanding it. Kishan do you think you could have seen Krishna without learning all of this? Krishna was pleased with you and he came to you, and he will come to you too soon Chetana."

Grandpa then handed them their gifts and the children ran to their parents to show what Grandpa Hari had given them.

****

# Chapter 47. God is the invisible thread

Shloka 7.7

mattah parataram nanyat

kincid asti dhananjaya

mayi sarvam idam protam

sutre mani gana iva

O conqueror of wealth, there is no one else superior to Me. I am the thread that holds this whole creation together.

During his stay with Kishan's family, Grandpa Hari expressed his desire to meet the Sadguru at the Ashram. He had heard a lot about him from Kishan's father. Kishan's father planned a trip to the Ashram and Kishan was very happy as he had been waiting to go back to the Ashram from a long time.

They all drove to the Ashram on the weekend. They left early in the morning so that they could reach there just in time for Guruji's discourse. When they reached there, they found that the Bhajan session was going on and Guruji was in meditation. There were not many people that day and Kishan's family go to sit quite close in front of Guruji. The people from the Ashram brought a chair for Grandpa Hari as he was unable to sit on the floor. After the Bhajans, Guruji cahnted OM and asked the audience to repeat. They all chanted OM for sometime and then sat silently. Guruji then asked everybody to open their eyes slowly. He looked around and when he laid eyes on Kishan he smiled, Kishan smiled at him too.

Grandpa Hari had brought along with him a Japa Mala. He asked one of the students of Guruji if he can take it to Guruji. The student went upto Guruji and enquired about the same. Guruji called Grandpa Hari close to him. Grandpa Hari prostrated at Guruji's feet and seeked his blessings and gave him the Japa Mala. Guruji held the Japa Mala and closed his eyes for a while and then gave it to Grandpa Hari. Grandpa Hari was much pleased as he returned to his seat.

Guruji, now looking at the crowd asked, "What shall I talk about today?"

Kishan bravely raised his hands and asked, "What did you do to that Japa Mala Guruji?"

Guruji laughed and the audience laughed.

"Ok, I will talk about Japa Mala today", said Guruji.

He asked Kishan, "Do you were a Japa Mala my boy?"

Kishan said yes and he showed Guruji his Japa Mala that was around his neck.

"Can you bring it here?" asked Guruji.

Kishan took it off and went up to Guruji and placed it in his hands.

Guruji then showed the Japa Mala to the audience and asked, "Who can tell me what is the meaning of Japa Mala?"

None from the audience answered. Kishan's father smiled as he knew the meaning but he did not say anything out of respect for Guruji.

Guruji smiled and asked Kishan, "What do you see here boy?"

"Beads", answered Kishan.

Guruji said, "Can't you see the thread that holds the beads together?"

Kishan said, "I know there is a thread but I can't see it."

Guruji explained, "Correct. These beads represent you and me. One bead is me, one bead is you, one your father, one your mother, one is a tree and one is a planet so on. We are all beads and we can see only other beads. What we don't see it what holds us all together."

Kishan said, "God!"

Guruji smiled and said, "Yes, God is like the invisible thread that holds all the world together and there is no one greater than God. Without him all the beads will fall. Now, listen carefully. We wear the Japa Mala so that we recollect this and think about the invisible God; otherwise we are always thinking about other beads, we are thinking about house or school, or husband, or children. Correct?"

The audience nodded.

Guruji now looked at Kishan and said, "When I held your Grandfather's Japa Mala in my hand I prayed that he will always remember the all powerful Lord and not the beads. May his mind always be on God and that is why you chant God's name holding the beads in your hands. By touching the beads you want to feel the invisible God. Come, lets chants God's name now."

Kishan went back to his place and sat in a meditative posture and held the Japa Mala in his hand as Guruji chanted The Lord's name.

****

# Chapter 48. Gita is the Key

Shloka 7.14

daivi hy esa guna mayi

mama maya duratyaya

mam eva ye prapadyante

mayam etam taranti te

The divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature Satva, Rajas and Tamas, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto me can easily cross beyond it.

Today was a special day at the Ashram; it was a day for the children. Guruji had announced that he is going to take a few sessions for the children. Kishan and Chetana were there along with their family, Nishanth and Grandpa Hari.

The main hall of the Ashram looked very different toady. It was decorated with colorful paintings. Huge paintings were kept all around the hall. These paintings were on select stories from the Ramayana. There were paintings of Rama going to the forest, there were paintings of Ravana kidnapping Sita and paintings of Hanuman crossing the ocean. In the center of the hall were three doors, a white one, a red one and a black door. The children were made to sit in front of the three doors.

Guruji enter the hall and sat on the chair in front of the students. The three doors were behind him. Guruji said a few prayers and the children repeated after him. The grow ups were there too, there were seating arrangements made for them in one corner of the hall so that they can watch the session.

Guruji said, "There are three doors behind me as you can see. One is white, red and the other is black. Does anyone know what they are?"

The children said they dint know.

"Ok, maybe if I give you clues as to what is behind them then you can tell me", said Guruji.

"Behind the white door are people who are good, who are kind, who help other and who don't speak ill of anyone. Behind the red door are people who are very strong, they are rude, they are very selfish and they want to run and do this and do that. Finally, behind the black door there are dull people, lazy people. Now can anyone tell me what these doors are?" asked Guruji.

Nishanth raised his hand. "The white is Satva, red is Rajas and black is Tamas", said Nishanth.

Guruji was pleased, "Correct! These doors are the 3 qualities a human being has, Satva, Rajas and Tamas. Now tell me behind which door are you?" asked Guruji.

All the children said they were behind the white door.

Guruji laughed and said, "Good, now tell me behind which door is God?"

Kishan raised his hand and said, "God is not behind any door."

Guruji asked him, "Then where is he?"

There was no reply. Guruji continued, "You are correct, God is not behind any of these, God is the one who created theses door, but he himself is outside. The ones who are behind the white door have a better chance to come out and meet him, but the ones who are in the black and red have to first come to the white door and then meet God. Did you understand? Ok, let me put it this way, we all must first become good, become pure before we can meet God. It is very difficult to come out of these doors, but you can come out if you have the key. Does anyone know what that key is?"

There was silence. Guruji continued, "The key is The Bhagavad Gita. When you study The Gita your heart becomes pure and you will be able to come out of any door, any problem in life. Did you all understand?"

The children said, "Yes Guruji."

Guruji then made the children chant a few Shlokas from The Bhagavad Gita.

****

# Chapter 49. The Selfish demons

Shloka 7.15

na mam duskrtino mudhah

prapadyante naradhamah

mayayapahrta jnana

asuram bhavam asritah

Those miscreants who are grossly foolish, who are lowest among mankind, whose knowledge is stolen by illusion, and who partake of the atheistic nature of demons do not surrender unto Paramatma (God).

The children had enjoyed the session with Guruji. It was a fun as Guruji said many jokes, kept the children entertained and at the same time taught them valuable lessons. The children were more than happy to come for the second session next week.

On the day of the second session the children assembled in the main hall. There were two huge boxes with lots of props in them. The children took to their respective places and when Guruji came in and sat on his chair they all chanted a few Shlokas and the session started.

Guruji said, "Today we will do something fun."

Guruji divided the children into two groups, each group consisting of 5 members. He asked the first group to stand beside box 1 and the second group to stand beside box 2. Kishan was in the second group while Chetana and Nishanth were in the first group.

Then, Guruji instructed them to pull out the props and costumes from the boxes and prepare for the activity. Box number one had props that are used in the worship like, lamps, bell, flowers and it had costumes of holy men, saffron robes. Box number two had artificial weapons and costumes of demons. The children picked out their costumes and got ready for the activity.

Guruji explained the scene that they had to act out. He said, "Alright, group one are Rishis and holy men who are performing for Pooja and group two are demons who will come and disturb and maybe even destroy. Can you act this out?"

The children said yes and they started.

The children gave a wonderful performance, children from the first group acted as if they were performing Pooja with great devotion and then suddenly the demons came in and kicked and screamed. They threw whatever they could lay their hands on and acted as if they were killing the Rishis. The parents and the people from the Ashram applauded. Guruji then asked the children to take their respective places.

"Let me first ask group number one how it felt to play the role of Rishis", Guruji said.

Nishanth answered, "It was good Guruji but we knew that the other group would come in any moment so we were thinking about them."

Everybody laughed.

"Ok, group number two how did it feel to play the demons?" Guruji asked.

One boy named Kiran answered, "It was great, we destroyed everything! It was fun."

Guruji then turned to Kishan and said, "You were in group two, you were supposed to act like a demon why dint you?"

Kishan in a serious tone said, "I'm sorry Guruji I could not, I felt I will be hurting God by doing that, that's why I could not."

Guruji said, "It was only acting, wasn't it?"

Kishan said, "I know, but I could not, I was thinking about the real Rishis and real demons, and how those demons killed the Rishis. I could not."

Guruji smiled and said, "Well, the Rishis here were thinking about the demons and not God, the demons here were thinking about themselves, and here is one demon who was thinking about God and Rishis and demons."

Guruji continued, "Can anyone tell me why people behave like demons, why they yell, why they are so angry, why they hurt others?"

Chetana answered, "It is because they don't love God."

Guruji said, "Yes they don't love God and they love themselves. One who is selfish is a demon; one who is supposed to be a demon but he thinks of God is a great soul. Just like this child here. He can't even act like a demon. I can only imagine his love for God. Children, whenever you see someone trying to do good, trying to go near God, help them and whenever you see people hurting others like demons, stay away from them, and if you are lucky to see some one like this boy, make friends with them and learn from them", said Guruji.

****

# Chapter 50. Four types of students

Shloka 7.16

catur vidha bhajante mam

janah sukrtino 'rjuna

arto jijnasur artharthi

jnani ca bharatarsabha

O best among the Bharatas, four kinds of pious men begin to render devotional service unto Me. The distressed, the desirer of wealth, the inquisitive, and he who is searching for knowledge of the Absolute

Grandpa Hari had developed cold and fever. Kishan was by his side almost the entire day taking care of his needs, giving him medicine, doing his homework in the guest room. When Grandpa Hari would sleep for a while Kishan would sit in meditation.

It was late in the evening and Grandpa Hari asked Kishan to take out a book from his bag.

"Kishan, I'm feeling a little better now, can you please give me a book from that orange bag over there?" Grandpa Hari said.

Kishan searched for the book in the bag and found a big hard bound book and gave it to Grandpa.

"Which book is this Grandpa?' asked Kishan.

"This is my autobiography my boy. It's my own book, about my life", said Grandpa Hari.

Kishan said, "Wow, can I read it?"

Grandpa Hari said, "Sure, but I haven't completed it. After I'm done, you can be the first one to read it."

Kishan smiled and said, "Are you going to write something now Grandpa?"

Grandpa said, "Yes, just a few pages, about a few experience here, about Guruji, and the Ashram."

As Grandpa opened the book, a couple of old pictures fell down from the book.

Kishan helped pick them up and handed them to Grandpa. He saw a picture of two young men standing near a temple.

"Is this you Grandpa?" Kishan asked.

"Let me see", said Grandpa Hari taking the picture from Kishan.

"Oh yes, this is me and this is Shankar my old friend. He disappeared, on the very same day that this picture was taken, around 40 years ago! Shankar and I were great friends, he was not married. We came to this town to on the request of his family to see a bride for Shankar, he never wanted to marry but his parents forced him to go see the girl. When we reached there and we saw this beautiful temple on top of a hill, Shankar wanted to first go to the temple and then to see the girl. We climbed the hill and went to the temple. It was a huge temple and there were hardly any people. The priest of the temple was sitting in meditation. All of a sudden the priest opened his eyes and said 'finally you are here, I have been waiting for you' to Shankar. Shankar and I had never seen this person before. Then he said, 'mother wants me to instruct you, are you ready?' I did not understand anything, but Shankar immediately said 'yes im ready!' then he looked at me and said 'dear friend, this is my end, I have been asking the Goddess to take me within her soon, she had come in my dream and she said she will, but she also said that I will be born again to become a great spiritual teacher. I have to go now.' Saying so he entered into the dark room where the idol was. The priest went in after him. After sometime I went in myself and there was nobody, only the idol of the Goddess."

Kishan curiously asked, "What happened to them Grandpa?"

"I think then merged with God inside that room", said Grandpa Hari.

"How Grandpa, so many people go to temple, you went too and nothing like this ever happens to anybody, how did it happen to Shankar uncle?" Kishan asked.

"Kishan, I had the same question myself back then, later I found the answer. Not everybody is looking for God, everybody doesn't want God, they just want something in the world, money or car or fame, something, but the ones who really want him alone reach him. Not everybody who reaches him disappears, some stay as Gurus or some come back as Gurus. There is a Shloka in the Bhagavad Gita where Krishna explains about the four types of students, the first type are the kind that are in trouble and they go to God begging him to free them from suffering. The second kind go to beg money and power, the third kind go to God seeking his love, they want to be devoted to him and there is a special kind, the fourth kind, they like my friend Shankar, don't want anything else, they want to be one with God."

Grandpa Hari then asked Kishan to repeat the 4 kinds of seekers or students. Kishan explained what he understood.

He said, "Some want God to save them, some want something from God, some want God's love, some want to be one with God."

Grandpa Hari hugged him and said, "Yes my boy."

****

# Chapter 51. It takes many lifetimes to meet a Sadguru

Shloka 7.19

bahunam janmanam ante

jnanavan mam prapadyate

vasudevah sarvam iti

sa mahatma su durlabhah

After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.

Grandpa Hari was leaving a few days, he was feeling much better now and was grateful to Kishan for all his assistance. The children would always ask him to tell stories so he planned to take a class for them at Kishan's place where he could tell stories and teach them The Bhagavad Gita. It was a Thursday evening and Kishan and Chetana invited their friend for Grandpa's class. Nishanth and Suraj were there too. The children sat down in front of Grandpa's chair and they started with a prayer. After the prayer Grandpa asked them to chant a few Shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita.

"Children, now, all of you, one by one, tell me which enlightened being you like the most and why", said Grandpa.

Suraj said he liked Krishna because he was mischievious. Nishanth said he liked Rama, because he was very kind. Kishan said he loved Buddha because he was always peaceful. Chetana said she liked Shiva because he is very strong, Varun said he like Krishna too. Two other children liked Hanuman because he was big and strong. After they were done the children asked Grandpa which deity he liked the most. Grandpa Hari said "I love my Guru".

Grandpa Hari then asked everyone to chant the below Shloka,

Guru brahma, Guru Vishnu

Gurudevo maheshwaraha

Guru sakshat parabrahma

Tasmaishree gurave namah

"Let me tell you children the meaning of this Shloka. It says that a Sadguru, a man who has realized God, who has become very pure and one with God, such a Guru is Brahma, he is Vishnu himself and he is Shiva. It does not mean that he looks like them. It means that he has all their power. What is Brahma's power?"

"To create", answered the children.

Grandpa said, "Guru's creation is the greatest creation because he creates enlightened beings, he creates beautiful human beings; that is why you see that the students of great master become great like the masters themselves, like students of Buddha, students of Krishna, students of Jesus. Now, what is the power of Vishnu?"

"To protect", answered the children.

Grandpa said, "Guru protects his students no matter what, just look at Krishna and Arjuna, Krishna protected Arjuna in the war and he helped him to win the war. In the same way, Guru will first teach, then help you implement the teaching, then he will help you become victorious in whatever you want. That is why in the olden days if children did not have Guru they were considered as orphans, even though they had parents. Finally, what is the power of Shiva?"

"To destroy", answered the children.

Grandpa Hari said, "I have told you how Guru is Brahma and Vishnu, can anyone tell me how Guru is Shiva?"

Kishan answered, "Guru destroys all our pain and anger that is why he is Shiva."

Grandpa Hari said, "Correct, a Guru will destroy all the negative qualities so that you are ready to become one with God, but it is very difficult to find such a Guru who is like God, do you know why?"

"Why Grandpa?" asked the children.

"It is because he will appear to be very ordinary, he will be very simple, Krishna or Rama you can recognize by their dress, but you can't recognize a Sadguru by his dress", Grandpa said. Kishan asked, "Then how can we find him?"

Grandpa laughed and said, "That's what Krishna says in The Bhagavad Gita that men spend many many lifetimes to find a Sadguru and finally, when someone becomes pure, the Sadguru himself will go to him. The only way you can know a Guru is by his teachings. If someone's teachings take you closer to God then you can know."

Nishanth asked, "Was your Guru a Sadguru Grandpa?"

Grandpa said, "Yes he was, and that is why I love only him."

****

# Chapter 52. Fools cannot understand a Guru

Shloka 7.25

naham prakasah sarvasya

yoga maya samavrtah

mudho 'yam nabhijanati

loko mam ajam avyayam

I am never manifest to the foolish and unintelligent. For them I am covered by My internal potency, and therefore they do not know that I am unborn and infallible.

It was Grandpa Hari's last day with Kishan's family and Chetana had been crying since morning. Kishan was very sad too.

"When will you come again Grandpa?" cried Chetana.

"I don't know my child", said Grandpa.

Kishan said, "I'll miss you a lot Grandpa."

Grandpa called Kishan and Chetana closer and said, "Kishan, take this." Grandpa handed him the orange bag, which was quite heavy, Kishan opened it and found the big book of Grandpa Hari. "Kishan, I told you that when I complete the book you will be the first one to read it. I'm keeping my promise. I have completed it and I want you to read it, read it and tell Chetana all about it. Is that ok with you Chetana?"

Chetana said, "Ok."

Grandpa said, "There are so many people who are after this book, so many of my friends wanted this, but I am giving it to you, I think Krishna wants me to give it to you first. After you are done reading it please give it to your father, will you do that for me Kishan?"

Kishan said, "Sure Grandpa."

Grandpa said "I want you to remember something children, you both are really special, you are not ordinary children, you have come to this earth to help a lot of people, to teach a lot of people and probably to show some fortunate ones the way to God. There will always be people who will try to discourage you, who will try to stop you. You will have friends who won't like what you do and who will ask you to leave all this and go with them. I just hope you stay strong and stay true to Krishna. Always think about Krishna, don't worry about what other people or other children say, they will never understand. God shows himself to the ones who are pure, the ones who are foolish are far from him, and they will end up hurting themselves and other. In my book you will find many stories, learn as much as you can. Learn all about Sadguru, I have written a lot about my experience with my Guru."

Kishan said, "I will Grandpa."

Grandpa said, "Krishna has been very kind to me, he has blessed me with the company of great souls, some were old, some were young and some like you were very young, but I learnt a great deal from all. I see that you have good friends right now, like Nishanth and Suraj and the other boys. Be good to them.

Kishan's father walked into the room to tell them the lunch was ready.

Kishan's father asked Kishan, "What is that Kishan, did Grandpa give you another gift?"

Kishan said, "It's his book Dad, I'll give it to you after I read it."

Kishan's father smiled and said, "Come now, come for lunch, please come Hari uncle."

****

# Chapter 53. God knows everything

Shloka 7.26

vedaham samatitani

vartamanani cArjuna

bhavisyani ca bhutani

mam tu veda na kascana

O Arjuna, I know everything that has happened in the past, all that is happening in the present, and all things that are yet to come. I also know all living entities; but me no one knows.

'A divine poetry called life', read the name of the book that Grandpa Hari gave to Kishan. Kishan started reading it the moment Grandpa Hari left for the US. Kishan would finish all his school work and then sit to read the book; he gave up TV and video games. He thought to himself that he would first read the book and then get back to them.

Kishan's parents saw him with the book all the time. If he got any free time he would read it. He kept it with him always. He made sure that none of his friends saw it.

Kishan was reading the book and he came to the part where Grandpa Hari met his Sadguru. Kishan was all excited to read this part. It was written that after the disappearance of his friend Shankar, Grandpa Hari became a totally different man. Grandpa Hari became very spiritual and he travelled all over India visiting many temples and Gurus. Grandpa Hari went in search of a Sadguru, a Guru who had realized God, who had seen God and who could show him God, but for many years he could not find such a Sadguru.

Grandpa Hari must have been around 42 or 43, one day his colleague asked him for a favour. Grandpa Hari was transferred to a village and his friend's mother stayed in that village. His friend asked him to deliver some money to his old mother along with some other things. Grandpa Hari agreed and took all the things and money to deliver it to his friend's mother. On reaching the village the next day, Grandpa Hari went in search of his friend's house to meet his friend's mother. With much difficulty he found out where she lived and he told her about her son and gave her all that her son had sent. The old woman was very happy to get a message from her son. She treated Grandpa Hari very kindly and offered him food. When Grandpa Hari sat down for lunch, he saw a painting of a very peaceful person sitting in lotus posture on the wall. The man in the picture seemed very ordinary yet his face looked very peaceful. When his friend's mother came out of the kitchen with food he enquired about the man in the painting. The old woman said that his name was Sri Sadguru Shivaprakash and that he was her Guru.

Grandpa Hari was very excited, overflowing with joy. He asked her where he was and if he could meet him. The old lady said that she did not know where he is now, however, Sadguru had promised to visit her on the first of December. Grandpa Hari was delighted as first of decmeber was the very next day. He was very happy, he felt as if this was divine's plan. He asked the lady if he can come to her house tomorrow and meet the Sadguru. The old woman could see his sincerity, so she asked him to stay at her house over night and meet him tomorrow.

Grandpa Hari stayed at the old lady's house. She took good care of him and told him many stories of her Sadguru. Grandpa Hari could not sleep that night; he was waiting for the sun to come up. He got out of bed early and cleaned the whole house for the Sadguru's arrival. The next morning he went out to get some flowers for the Sadguru.

When he came home with the flowers he saw the old woman sitting down on the floor and the Sadguru sitting in lotus posture on the big slab. Grandpa Hari prostrated before the Sadguru. The Sadguru looked at him and said, "Stop worrying about Shankar, he is fine." Grandpa Hari was shocked and was wondering how this man got to know that he was always worrying about Shankar.

The old lady went into the kitchen to get some food for the Guru.

"What do you want?" The Sadguru asked Grandpa Hari.

Grandpa Hari said, "I want to become your disciple. Please accept me."

The Sadguru asked, "What do you know about me?"

Grandpa Hari said, "I know that you are God."

The Sadguru laughed. They both sat silently and ate the food served by the old lady.

After they had finished eating the old lady asked her Sadguru, "Guruji, is this the man you were talking about?"

Grandpa Hari asked her what she meant.

Then the old lady explained that The Sadguru had told her that one day a man will come to your house and he is going to be one of my greatest disciples.

The Sadguru said, "Yes, he is the one."

After writing the above story Grandpa Hari had written at the end of the page that, 'A Sadguru knows everything, he knows your past, your future, and he knows your present. Completely surrender to him and learn from him.'

****

Chapter 54. World and Guru are one

Shloka 7.27

iccha dvesa samutthena

dvandva mohena bharata

sarva bhutani sammoham

sarge yanti parantapa

O scion of Bharata, O conqueror of the foe, all living entities are born into delusion, bewildered by dualities arisen from desire and hate.

Kishan was enjoying reading Grandpa Hari's stories. At times he would be smiling to himself; at times he would have tears in his eyes. At times he would be laughing and at time he would be seriously involved in it. On this day Kishan was reading an interesting chapter about a great lesson that Grandpa Hari had learnt.

Once during a cold winter night when Grandpa Hari was staying with his Guru, the Guru called Grandpa Hari and told him that he was not feeling quite well. Grandpa Hari prepared some home remedies and gave it to his Guru as medicine but nothing worked. After a couple of hours the Guru started vomiting.

Grandpa Hari was really worried, he begged his Guru to heal himself, for which the Guru said, "No one can go against nature, if my body has to suffer then it will, don't worry, and it will all end soon."

Grandpa Hari wanted to do something for his Guru so in the dead of the night he went to find some doctor. He knew a doctor that lived a couple of miles away; Grandpa Hari ran to his house and knocked his door. The doctor who was not well himself and wanted to rest. When Grandpa Hari asked him to come treat his Guru, the doctor got really angry and shouted at Grandpa Hari. Grandpa Hari told the doctor, "Sir, you can scold me how much ever you want but please come and help my Guru, I will pay you well for your services." Grandpa Hari then handed him a few coins, the doctor threw the coins back at Grandpa Hari and shut the door. Grandpa Hari was really angry now. He said to himself that if something happens to my Guru I will destroy this doctor and he went back. Grandpa Hari ran back to his Guru and he saw his Guru lying still on the ground. He could not see him breath. Grandpa Hari tried to feel his pulse but there was no pulse. Grandpa Hari was utterly shocked; then suddenly he recollected the doctor and he grew very angry, at that moment his Guru said, "Why do you want to kill the Guru in him?" Grandpa Hari was very happy that his Guru was alive. He felt ashamed and he fell at the Guru's feet. The Guru embraced him with love and said, "I know the kind of love you have for me, but you see the world and me as different, have the same love for the world, because I am in everybody. If you see me and others as different you will grow hate in you. God and Guru is there in everyone's heart, those who do not see this alone hate others. A man who sees God in all, loves all."

Grandpa Hari understood what his Guru tried to teach him and asked for forgiveness. His Guru said, "The moment you have understood is the moment you are forgiven."

Kishan liked this story a lot, and thought about it day after day, trying to picture the events in his mind. He understood what the Sadguru was trying to teach as he found that the same teaching was there is the Bhagavad Gita. This book of Grandpa Hari's was really helping Kishan to understand The Bahgavad Gita more.

****

# Chapter 55. The good merits of many lives take you to a Sadguru

Shloka 7.28

yesam tv anta gatam papam

jananam punya karmanam

te dvandva moha nirmukta

bhajante mam drdha vratah

Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life and whose sinful actions are completely eradicated are freed from the dualities of delusion, and they engage themselves in my service with determination.

Having spent so much time reading the stories from Grandpa Hari's life Kishan could now see all the events in his mind as if they were really happening. Grandpa Hari had left a few pictures of people he had met and places he had been to with his Guru. There was one picture of Grandpa Hari and his Guru too. Kishan now came across a chapter called 'My past lives'. When he started reading it, he came to know that it was about Grandpa Hari's past lives.

Grandpa Hari's Guru sent him back to the town to resume his old job. Before Grandpa Hari left from his Guru's place his Guru said, "There is someone waiting for you there."

Grandpa Hari did not ask any questions as he knew that everything was his Guru's blessing and nothing bad could happen to him. Grandpa Hari returned to his town and got his old job back. When he went back to his old house he found that there was a new family that had moved in next to his house. Grandpa Hari would go to work every day and in the evening he would spend time meditating. Twice a week, he would call his friends and neighbours' home and give discourses on The Bhagavad Gita. His Guru had asked him to start teaching The Bhagavad Gita at his house.

One day, the new neighbor came over in the evening to attend his Satsang. She was very pleased with Grandpa Hari's teachings and wanted to talk to him. After everyone took Prasad and left, the lady walked up to Grandpa Hari and asked him if he was married. Grandpa Hari said no. The lady explained that she had a daughter who is at the right age for marriage and that they were looking for a spiritual groom but were unable to find one. Saying this, the lady asked if Grandpa Hari will marry her daughter. Grandpa Hari did not know what to say, so he said, "I have to ask my Guru."

The lady was pleased with Grandpa Hari's devotion and she agreed to wait. Grandpa Hari thought about this all night. Then he sat in meditation seeking an answer from his Guru, but no answer came. Finally he went to bed. That night, Grandpa Hari had a peculiar dream. In his dream he saw that he was married to a beautiful woman and they both were in the Ashram of some Rishi. Grandpa Hari saw that he was a different man, he looked very different. He saw that he and his wife were serving the Rishi and doing a lot of work in the Ashram.

The next morning Grandpa Hari woke up, he wanted to know what the marriage proposal in the morning and the dream the same night meant so he immediately planned to leave to meet his Guru. Someone knocked on his door at that time. When he opened the door he saw his Guru standing in front of him. Grandpa Hari prostrated at his Guru's feet and told him about the dream. His Guru told him that it was not a dream but a recollection of his past life. Grandpa Hari had seen his past life.

The Guru explained, "You see Hari, you were with me from many lives, you don't remember but I do. You have served me in many lives that is why you have so much good merit in this life. The woman next door is your wife. She was also my student and you must marry her for she will help you help the world. You both together will serve the world. You both are born for this purpose alone."

Grandpa Hari was pleased on hearing this. He invited his neighbours and in the presence of his Sadguru Grandpa Hari got married.

On reading this Kishan recollected about Grandma Lakshmi. She was a very loving and caring person. She would always think about others and even in her last days she served many people.

Kishan learnt that people who do great service to mankind are great souls who have done great service in their past lives.

****

# Chapter 56. One who thinks of God in death reaches him

Shloka 8.5

anta kale ca mam eva

smaran muktva kalevaram

yah prayati sa mad bhavam

yati nasty atra samsayah

Whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body, remembering Me alone, at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt.

After reading about how Grandpa Hari met Grandma Lakshmi, Kishan was curious to know the other events in their lives. In the next few pages Kishan read about the beautiful married life that his Grandma and Grandpa had. They never fought in all their years. Both were very understanding and caring. Grandpa Hari would teach the Gita and Grandma would make prasadam for all.

One day Grandma Lakshmi's parents decided to go on a pilgrimage. They discussed about it with their son in law. Grandpa Hari did not have a good feeling about it and he advised them that this was not the right time and that they should go next year. However the in-laws said, "Our daughter is in right hands now, we have no fear, we will go ahead and visit the holy places."

They then made all arrangements to leave and left after a few days. On their way to the holy places Grandma's mother fell very sick and passed away. When the news came to Grandma she was very sad. Both of them left immediately to visit Grandma's father. Since there were no buses in those days it took many days for both of them to reach the village where Grandma's mother had passed away. When they finally reached there they found out that all the last rites had been performed and Grandma's mother's body was burnt.

Later that night Grandma's father told them that in her last moments Grandma's mother was thinking about her daughter and son in law. She was thanking God that her daughter was married to a great man and that she was fortunate to have met a Sadguru. On hearing this Grandpa Hari and Grandma Lakshmi were please. They both closed their eyes and chanted a Shloka from the Bhagavad Gita. Grandpa Hari explained to his father in law, "Please don't be sad Sir, mother has thought about the Guru in her last moment, she will certainly go to his abode. It is said in the Gita that if anyone thinks about God or Guru at the time of death they will attain their abode and they will merge into them. Your wife is very fortunate that she got thoughts about Guru at the time of death. Usually, people die with guilt and hate, they die with regret of what happened or what they have done, blessed are those who think of God or Guru."

On hearing this Grandma's father felt better and said, "I will dedicate the rest of my days in service of the The Sadguru. Please tell me what I should do."

Grandpa Hari asked his father in law to go to the village where Sadguru Shivaprakash lived and serve him there.

After reading this Kishan took out the picture of the Sadguru from the back page and held it to his forehead and then kissed it. He closed the book and went to find his father.

He saw his father downstairs and walked up to him and said, "Dad, do you know that if you think of God when you are dying you will become one with him?"

Kishan's father laughed and said, "My dear boy, do you know if you think about God when you are living you will become one with him?"

Kishan smiled and said, "I know that Dad."

****

# Chapter 57. Remember God in life, he will remember you in death

Shloka 8.6

yam yam vapi smaran bhavam

tyajaty ante kalevaram

tam tam evaiti kaunteya

sada tad bhava bhavitah

Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail.

It was still not clear to Kishan. How can one get what they want if they just think about God? What if someone was bad and at the time of death they thought about God, will they merge with God? All these questions were troubling Kishan. He thought he might find the answer if he read some more chapters from Grandpa's book.

Kishan found that in the current chapter Grandma Lakshmi was having the same doubts that Kishan was having. She knew that her mother had reached God but she had doubts as it how it works for other. The questions that were on Kishan's mind were on Grandma Lakshmi's mind at that time.

Grandma Lakshmi asked Grandpa Hari on her way back to the town, "If someone has been bad all their life, just by thinking about God in the last moment will they merge with God?"

Grandpa Hari explained, "Do you think that a bad man can think about God at the last moment? Let me tell you a story, there was once a rich businessman who heard that if one thinks about God at the last moment he will merge with God, so to make sure he thinks about God at the time of death, he named his three sons as Krishna, Rama and Vishnu, so that if not God he will certainly think about his sons and when he call his son's name he would have called God's name and thus he will merge with God. After many years, when he was on the death bed, he knew that he was about to die so he wanted to think about God. He called out his sons Krishna, Rama and Vishnu. Soon all his sons came running to him. On seeing his sons he got very angry and said, "You fools! If all of you are here who is looking after my business?" Saying this he died! Now the last thought on his mind was about money not God. It is very difficult to think about God at the last moment. Only a person who is pure, and who has spent all his life thinking about God can really think about him with love at his last breath. Whatever you think about all your life, you will think about the same at the time of death. Now please tell me what do people think all the time, they think about money, about enjoyment etc. and that is exactly what they will get in their next lifetime. If they have negative thoughts they will be born in a place of suffering, if they have positive thoughts they will be born in a good place."

Grandma Lakshmi had understood. Kishan too had understood. He loved the book more and more.

****

# Chapter 58. Do your duty with your mind on God

Shloka 8.7

tasmat sarvesu kalesu

mam anusmara yudhya ca

mayy arpita mano buddhir

mam evaisyasy asamsayah

Arjuna, you should always think of me and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty. With your activities dedicated to me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt.

Kishan was spending a lot of time reading the book. Initially he would first finish his school work and then start reading the book, but his parents noticed that he had started to neglect his studies and was always with Grandpa's book or The Bhagavad Gita. Kishan's mother was a little worried as his exams were coming up.

Kishan's mother said to Kishan's father, "Please talk to Kishan. He is neglecting his studies. I am very happy that he is so devoted to God but he must study too."

Kishan's father said, "I agree, I will talk to him, he will understand."

Kishan's father went up to Kishan's room and saw that Kishan was meditating. He said, "Kishan, I'm sorry to disturb you but we need to talk."

Kishan opened his eyes and said, "Sure Dad."

Kishan's Dad said, "I know you are reading the book that Grandpa Hari has given and I know you spend a lot of time reading The Bhagavad Gita and in meditation, but you need to focus on your studies too. You need to balance both. Can you give me your Bhagavad Gita?"

Kishan handed his father the Gita. Kishan's father opened the page which contains the above Shloka and asked Kishan to chant it.

After Kishan chanted the Shloka Kishan's father explained, "You see Kishan, Lord Krishna says to Arjuna that you need to think about God at all time but do your duties too. You need to do all that you have to do as an offering to God. Arjuna did not sit listening to The Bhagavad Gita all day did he?"

Kishan smiled and said, "No."

Kishan's father continued, "Correct, he got the teaching then he fought the war and won it. In the same way you have got the teaching, now you need to study and after you have done well in your exams you can go back to the book in the holidays. Will you do that?"

Kishan understood, he gave the book to his father and said, "Ok Dad, please keep this with you and give it to me after the exam."

Kishan's father smiled and said, "Kishan, I trust you, you are a very smart boy. Let the book be with you. I believe you have the strength to do what is right and the right thing to do now is to study. God is always with you, but if you lose this time you will not get it back. God will not write your exam nor correct your paper."

Both of them laughed.

Kishan understood what his father was saying and he went back to the Shloka that his father made him chant and he saw that Krishna asked Arjuna to fight and to perform his duty. Kishan kept the book in the safe place and started concentrating on his studies.

****

# Chapter 59. Service purifies

Shloka 8.14

ananya cetah satatam

yo mam smarati nityasah

tasyaham sulabhah partha

nitya yuktasya yoginah

One who always remembers Me without deviation, I am easy to obtain, O son of Prtha, because of his constant engagement in devotional service.

Kishan's midterm exams had started and he had been preparing real hard for the past few days. He took the help of his mother at times and on other occasions he asked his father to help him with some subjects. Due to meditation his mind had become so clear that it could grasp things very quickly. He just had to listen to something once and it would register in his mind. He did really well in his exams. Everything had improved, his handwriting had changed too. He would help his friends revise before the exams and after each exam he would promptly move on to the next subject without worrying about the previous paper.

Kishan's father noticed all these changes, he had thought that Kishan would actually be sad that he is not able to read the book but on the contrary Kishan was as happy doing anything else, just as happy as he was reading the book. He would always be calm and he had become more silent but yet full of life.

Kishan's mother said to Kishan's father "I have made a mistake, I was worried about Kishan, I thought all these activities had made him neglect his studies, but he has become so much smart and alive. He has changed so much. The way he looks into my eyes, I feel as if his eyes say 'don't worry, everything is fine'."

Kishan's father smiled and said, "Yes dear, I have seen that too, this is why I started teaching children The Gita at a young age. They become so pure and you can see Krishna's power in them, his power in their eyes. Kishan is no longer the same, after he met Guruji his mind has matured so much. He is a divine child. You can start to expect great things from him now. He is the proof to what will happen if one thinks about God all the time. He has easily attained that which is so difficult for great Yogis to attain. That is why the spiritual teachings need to be given at a young age, they catch is so fast. I am very happy that we are blessed with such a son."

Kishan's mother said, "Yes, me too. I'm sure he will be a great influence on Chetana. Both of them are gems."

****

# Chapter 60. Reaching God is final

Shloka 8.15

mam upetya punar janma

duhkhalayam asasvatam

napnuvanti mahatmanah

samsiddhim paramam gatah

After attaining Me, the great souls, who are yogis in devotion, never return to this temporary world, which is full of miseries, because they have attained the highest perfection.

Kishan had completed his mid terms and he had holidays for two weeks. Kishan's father asked him, "Kishan, you had told me last time that you wanted to join music camp, do you want to go now in these holidays?"

Kishan smiled at his father and said, "Dad, can I stay at Guruji's Ashram for two weeks?"

Kishan's father was surprised, he said, "I'm not sure if they will allow you to."

Kishan said, "I think they will allow Dad, please call them up and find out."

Kishan's father felt that Kishan had decided to go to the Ashram for the holidays and looking at his confidence it seemed like it was going to happen. Kishan's father enquired with the Ashram authorities and said that they had agreed to allow Kishan and Chetana stay at the Ashram. Incidentally there was a vacation camp going on at the Ashram and many children would be there along with them for 2 weeks.

Chetana was very excited as she loved the Ashram. Kishan's mother helped them pack as they had to leave the next morning.

The next day, Kishan's parents drove the children to the Ashram. All the parents helped the children settle down in their rooms. The parents could stay for lunch and after lunch the camp would begin.

Guruji had asked all the children and their parents to assemble in the main hall before lunch for a small introduction on the camp.

At around 11:30 am everybody gathered in the main hall.

Guruji came in and sat on his chair, then they all chanted a couple of Shlokas.

Guruji addressed the crowd and said, "Thank you all for coming. Some of you are here because you like this place. Some of you are hear because someone asked you to come, some are here because they like me, and some are here because they feel at home here. This is a holy place, a place where we talk about God, where we hear about God, where we think about God and where we try to serve God. Those who do all this will certainly see God here. There might be a few here who have already seen God."

Guruji smiled again, "Those who come here never go empty handed, those who come here never go back with pain or suffering. Those who come here will become children of God; they will become friends of Krishna! This is The Lord's Kingdom. This is Vrindavan. This is where Krishna is because this is where Gita is. This whole camp is about The Bhagavad Gita, and there cannot be Gita without Krishna. I welcome you all into the world of Krishna. One who enters the world of Krishna, can never go back to the world for misery. Jai Radhe Krishna!"

Everybody said aloud, "Jai Radhe Krishna!"

****

# Chapter 61. Merge with God

Shloka 8.16

a brahma bhuvanal lokah

punar avartino 'rjuna

mam upetya tu kaunteya

punar janma na vidyate

From the highest planet in the material world down to the lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take place. One who attains to My abode, O son of Kunti, never takes birth again.

Kishan and Chetana were enjoying their routine in the camp. They were made to play a lot of games. They were made to watch animated movies on Ramayana, Mahabharata and many great saints of India. In the evening there would be sessions in the main hall where Guruji would teach them The Bhagavad Gita.

On this day, Guruji taught the same Shloka that Kishan last came across in Grandpa Hari's book. On hearing that Shloka he recollect everything about Grandpa Hari and Grandma Lakshmi. Throughout the class Kishan was thinking about Grandma Lakshmi.

After the session was over, the children were asked to go back to their rooms. As Kishan was going back to his room one of Guruji's students ran upto him and told him that Guruji wanted to speak to him. Kishan went to the garden behind the main hall where Guruji was seated.

"You wanted to see me Guruji?" Kishan asked.

"You wanted to ask me something?" Guruji questioned.

Kishan smiled and said, "I was just thinking about my Grandma, she died a long time ago. I was wondering what has happened to her, has she merged with God or has she come back here?"

Guruji asked Kishan, "What do you know about her life?"

Kishan said, "I know that she was a great devotee and that she was a disciple of a Sadguru."

Guruji said, "Then why worry, if she had meet a Sadguru then her Sadguru would have taken care of her."

Kishan said, "Yeah that's what I was thinking. Guruji, what about people who don't have a Sadguru, but are devotees of God?"

Guruji said, "Now you are asking the right question."

Guruji explained, "Those who have a Sadguru and are devoted to him or her they attain the highest and merge with God. They become one with God. Those who have not met a Sadguru but have done good things they go to better planets, where they won't have any troubles. It's like taking a ticket and going to an amusement park. You can have fun for a while but you have to come out after sometime. Similarly those who have not merged with God will come back, maybe even to meet a Sadguru and then merge with God. Does that answer your question?"

Kishan said, "Only the ones who merge with God don't come back here, everybody else should come back correct?"

Guruji said, "Correct."

Kishan said, "My Grandpa had a friend, who merged with God but he said he would come back to teach."

Guruji said, "My dear boy, the ones who come back from God to show others the way to God are called Sadgurus. They are God themselves, they come to teach."

Kishan said, "My Grandpa's friend is born as a Sadguru then?"

Guruji smiled and said, "Maybe. Now go back to your room and rest. "

Kishan smiled and ran to his room.

****

# Chapter 62. Work done with devotion is the greatest

Shloka 8.28

vedesu yajnesu tapahsu caiva

danesu yat punya phalam pradistam

atyeti tat sarvam idam viditva

yogi param sthanam upaiti cadyam

A person who accepts the path of devotional service is not bereft of the results derived from studying the Vedas, performing austere sacrifices, giving charity or pursuing philosophical and fruitive activities. Simply by performing devotional service, he attains all these, and at the end he reaches the supreme eternal abode.

It was the fifth day at camp and the children had completely forgotten about home. The food was great in the Ashram, the place was beautiful. Everyone was well behaved and Guruji was very funny. The Ashram had so many attractions for the young minds.

In one of the evening sessions, Guruji asked the children, "Who can tell me what one has to do to reach God?"

Many raised their hands, many answers like one has to do a lot of tapasya, one has to go to Himalayas, one has to meditate, one has to read Bhagavad Gita, many such answers came. Guruji saw that Kishan was silent and asked him, "Kishan, can you tell me the answer?"

Kishan said, "One has to just love God and do his work."

Guruji said, "Can you please come here and explain that."

Kishan walked up to Guruji's chair and stood facing the audience. He closed his eyes for a while and then opened it. With a big smile on his face he said, "When I was a baby all I had to do was cry and my mother would come pick me up. In the same way all you have to do is call out to God with love and he will come. You don't have to do much to go to him, all you have to do is love him, and if your love is true he will see it and come running. If you don't have love, then pray day and night that he gives you love. He has everything, who else can give love apart from him."

Guruji clapped and asked all the children to applaud, "Wonderful!" said Guruji.

Guruji was very pleased with Kishan's answer.

Guruji asked Kishan, "Kishan can you tell us who taught you all this, I did not teach this here!"

Kishan smiled and said, "There is only one teacher, it is Krishna, Krishna taught me!"Guruji said, "Well, Krishna has done a great job, not only with you but all of the children here. I'm very happy to see all of you understand so much. Your parents will be surprised to see you all like this."

Guruji ended the session with prayer and chanting.

****

# Chapter 63. A Sadguru will reveal the secret

Shloka 9.2

raja vidya raja guhyam

pavitram idam uttamam

pratyaksavagamam dharmyam

su sukham kartum avyayam

This knowledge is Supreme, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization.

It was the first weekend at the camp and Kishan's parents had come to visit them at the Ashram.

Kishan and Chetana meet their parents in the garden that was behind the main hall. Kishan's father had brought a big bag along with him. He said "Kishan, I have a surprise for you" and took out the big book of Grandpa Hari which Kishan had left behind. Kishan had decided not to read the book until his exams were over. Soon after the exams ended he joined the camp at Ashram. Kishan was very happy with the surprise and he thanked his father.

After lunch there was a small Bhajan program by the children. The parents left after the program. Kishan went back into his room and started reading the book. Before he went to the page where he stopped last, Kishan took out a few pics from the book, first he held the picture of Shri Sadguru Shivaprakash and kissed it then he saw the picture of Grandpa Hari with Shankar.

Kishan started reading a chapter that told the story of a young Sanyasi who visited Grandpa Hari.

One day, Grandpa Hari came back from his work and thought he would rest for a while before starting The Bhagavad Gita class as usual. While he was closing his eyes and resting he heard a voice from the streets. He heard someone chanting mantra. When he went out to see who it was he saw a young wandering Sanyasi. The Sanyasi came to Grandpa Hari and begged for some rice. Grandpa Hari invited him inside and asked Grandma Lakshmi to offer food to the Sanyasi. After the Sanyasi finished eating he was very pleased with the couple and blessed them. Grandpa Hari told the Sanyasi that there would be a Bhagavad Gita Satsang in a while and he may attend it and then leave. The Sanyasi was happy to do so. He sat in meditation until all the students came.

After a while the Sanyasi heard the crowd chanting Shlokas from The Gita and then he opened his eyes. Grandpa Hari started the class and picked a random Shloka from the Gita and started explain its meaning. The Sanyasi listened intently. He had never heard such a beautiful discourse on the Gita. When Grandpa Hari was speaking about enlightenment and various aspects of enlightenment the Sanyasi started feeling a little uncomfortable. He did not want to interrupt so he thought that he will wait till the class was over and then speak to Grandpa Hari.

After the class was over the Sanyasi went up to Grandpa Hari and said, "Sir, I was happy that you are teaching The Bhagavad Gita, and I see that you have great knowledge on various aspects of spirituality, however you must not teach certain things to common public. There are some secrets you must not reveal!"

Grandpa Hari smiled and said, "Maharaj, don't you think these people will benefit from learning the secrets?" The Sanyasi went silent. He then said, "Many Gurus say that if you reveal these secrets you will go to hell."

Grandpa Hari calmly said, "Maharaj, I am ready to go to any hell for these people. If these people would attain freedom from all their suffering then I am happy to sacrifice myself."

The young Sanyasi was very pleased with Grandpa Hari. He said, "Sir, I am certain that there is great power behind you. Please tell me who your Guru is."

Grandpa Hari showed him the picture of his Sadguru and told the Sanyasi where he lived.

The Sanyasi prostrated to the feet of Grandpa Hari and told him, "You are a man of Dharma, your Guru is the Sadguru, the universal teacher. This house is not a house but a temple, may God give you all that you need to carry out his work. I will immediately leave to meet your Sadguru."

Kishan felt a new kind of energy in his body, he felt as if his heart was expanding. Grandpa Hari's words were echoing in his mind. He thought how great Grandpa Hari was, that he was ready to sacrifice himself for the good of others. Nothing had happened to Grandpa Hari, Krishna had protected him because he was protecting many people.

Kishan was really happy to have the book back.

****

# Chapter 64. Everything exists within the Lord

Shloka 9.4

maya tatam idam sarvam

jagad avyakta murtina

mat sthani sarva bhutani

na caham tesv avasthitah

By Me, in My unmanifested form, this entire universe is pervaded. All beings are in Me, but I am not in them.

There were only three more days left and the camp would come to an end. The children were rehearsing a play that they were to perform on the last day. Kishan had got the lead role in the drama. The drama was on Shri Krishna Avatar. Kishan was playing Krishna. Whenever there was a break he would get back to reading his book.

The children were rehearsing on the stage where they would perform on the last day. The director told Kishan that they will call him and the others a little later and only the dance group needs to stay back. Chetana was in the dance group. Kishan went back stage to pick his bagpack. When he picked it up he felt that I was very light. When he opened it he saw that Grandpa's book was missing. He was shocked. He searched everywhere in the green room. He asked all his friends. He also knew that it was not stolen, he knew all the children well and he knew no one had taken it. Then where could it be? He thought. He felt very sad, thinking what if he does not find it. What will he tell Grandpa Hari. He himself had not finished it.

Without losing a Moment he went straight to meet Guruji. When he went to Guruji's room he saw that the door was closed. He asked one of Guruji's students as to where Guruji was. The student said to Kishan that Guruji was invited to speak somewhere and he was not in the Ashram, he would return in the evening for the evening session.

Kishan became restless. One part of him was calm, but he was a little worried too. Not knowing what else he could do he went to the temple in the Ashram. The Ashram had a beautiful temple of Shri Krishna. The temple was surrounded by beautiful gardens and on one side was the main hall.

Kishan saw that there were a few of Guruji's students in the temple. He picked a spot and sat facing the idol of Krishna with his back to the big marble pillar. He closed his eyes and started to speak to Krishna in his mind, "Krishna, I don't know what has happened to Grandpa's book, but I know you know where it is. Please let me get it back. It means a lot to me, I am learning so much from it. How can I see you without that book, that book is bringing me closer to you. Please give it to me Krishna!" Kishan had tears in his eyes. At that very moment someone tapped on his shoulder. When Kishan opened his eyes he saw a boy from the camp. He had seen this boy on many occasions but had never spoken to him. This boy was around two years elder than Kishan, he was very good looking, and always had a smile on his face. The boy asked Kishan, "Why are you crying dude?"

Kishan said, "I had brought a book with me, I've lost it!"

The boy said, "It's just a book dude."

Kishan explained. "No it is a book written by my Grandpa Hari, he had given it to me to read it. I have to give it back to him and now I've lost it."

The boy smiled and said, "I know where it is."

Kishan got up and said, "What! You know? Where?"

The boy said, "I took it! I have kept it in a safe place."

Kishan was a little angry, "Give it back to me it's mine!"

The boy said, "No it's not yours, it's your Grandpa's and I read a little from the book, I really like it."

Kishan felt surprised that this boy liked what he read as usually children of his age don't like such things.

"What's your name?" Kishan asked the boy.

"You know my name, you hear it everyday. In the main hall, when they call out everybody's name", the boy smiled.

Kishan said, "I can't remember. Anyway, please give me my book or I'll complain to"

The boy interrupted, "To Guruji?"

Kishan said, "Yes, to Guruji."

The boy said, "Ok fine, I'll give it back to you. You want to be friends?"

Kishan said, "Why did you have to take my book to be friends with me?"

The boy said, "Sometimes I have to take things from people for them to come to me, otherwise they will forget me."

Kishan felt that he had heard this line somewhere. The boy said, "Go to the main hall, its on Guruji's chair."

Kishan was still thinking where he had heard it and suddenly one of the students in the temple called out from behind, 'Boys, its lunch time'. Kishan turned to say ok and then turned back to talk to the boy and he saw the boy was already out of the garden heading to the rooms. The boy turned back and smiled then he went away behind a wall. Kishan immediately ran to the main hall and found the book. He ran through a few pages to see if he had read what the boy just said. He found it. He found the very same lines in a chapter. These words were spoken by Sadguru Shivaprakash.

One day Grandpa Hari and Grandma Lakshmi had gone to visit their Guru. Grandma Lakshmi's health was not fine and they had gone to many doctors but nothing had worked. Finally they thought they should meet their Guru. When they entered the Guru's place they found him meditating, both of them prostrated at his feet and sat in front of him. The Sadguru opened his eyes and said, "Sometimes I have to take things from people for them to come to me, otherwise they will forget me".

Grandma Lakshmi got to know that he was talking about her health. She said, "Please forgive if I have done anything wrong Guruji, please heal me."

Guruji kindly said, "My child, you have not done anything wrong, I just wanted you to learn that when someone completely surrenders to God, God will take care of them. God is the giver, God is the taker. He gives in many ways and he also takes in many ways. But be peaceful all the time accepting everything as a gift from him. He is in all of us, he knows our pain. If you are unwell, then even that is his gift. Don't worry, you will be fine soon."

Grandma Lakshmi and Grandpa stayed with their Guru for somedays. Grandma recovered completely and after a few weeks they went back to their town with Guruji's blessings.

****

# Chapter 65. God is the Director

Shloka 9.10

mayadhyaksena prakrtih

su yate sa caracaram

hetunanena kaunteya

jagad viparivartate

This material nature, which is one of My energies, is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, producing all moving and nonmoving beings. Under my rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.

It was the last day at camp and Guruji had asked all the children to assemble in the main hall before all the programs would start. The programs were scheduled to start at 9 am. The children had to assemble in the main hall by 7 am and after that they would go for breakfast.

Guruji entered the hall and sat on his chair. He chanted OM a few times and all the children repeated after him. He then chanted a few Shlokas and the children repeated after him.

Guruji said, "Children, do you all know the name of your director?" Guruji pointed at the director.

All the children loudly replied, "Madhav sir!"

Guruji smiled and said, "Yes, Madhav sir. He is a great director isn't he? He is also a very good actor himself. I have seen many of his drams, he is excellent, and I'm sure this drama also will be a great success. I saw that some children had stage fear and I'm happy to see all of them ready to play their role in today's drama. Children, do you know that there is another director called Madhav, he is a very big director, and he too is a great actor. Do you know this Madhav?"

The children said, "No Guruji."

Guruji smiled and continued, "It is Lord Sri Krishna, they also call him Madhav. He is a great director. He first set the stage himself, he created stars, planets, living beings. Then he made actors, you, me, him, then he gave all of us roles to play, just like you have a role to play in the drama, all of us have a role to play in this world. Some are teachers, some are doctors some are parents. Now the director wants you all to play the role very well correct? In the same way Krishna also wants you to play your role well, your role is that of a son or daughter or student. When you are at school you are a student so you must be the best student. When you are at home you are a son or daughter, you must be the best at that too, in any role you play, you must do your best. Will you do that?"

The children loudly replied, "Yes Guruji."

Guruji said, "Good, Lord Krishna is the director, this world is the stage, and we are all actors, he knows what is going to happen and if you ask him he will help you to play your role better. That is why we pray to God, to ask him to help us play our roles better, but instead of asking that what do we do? We ask him to change the roles of others, we say to him 'God, please change my father, make him buy me this toy' correct?"

The children laughed.

Guruji explained, "If you want to be happy in life, you must play your role well. Just like you all want to perform well in today's drama, you should perform well in the drama of life, and make your life beautiful, and when you see someone's life is tragic, go help them to make it comedy."

Everybody laughed.

Guruji finished his talk with a prayer and asked all the children to go have breakfast.

****

# Chapter 66. Guru is God in human form

Shloka 9.11

avajananti mam mudha

manusim tanum asritam

param bhavam ajananto

mama bhuta mahesvaram

Fools think I am an ordinary human when I descend in the human form. They do not know my transcendental nature as the Supreme Lord of all that is.

Kishan and Chetana returned home after two weeks of camp. Kishan had become quite famous for his performance as lord Krishna in the drama that they performed on the last day. Apart from the drama there were other programs like dance and singing. All the children were given certificate for their participation in the camp. Before they left all the children took a group photo with Guruji and his student.

Kishan had tried searching for the boy who took his book, but he had not been able to find him after that day. He then thought that it might have been Krishna who had come in the form of a boy, but this time he did not mention this to anybody. Kishan was very happy, he wanted to speak to Grandpa, he was missing him a lot; he wanted to tell him how good the book was and how happy he is reading the book. Kishan went upto his father and said, "Dad, I wanna talk to Grandpa Hari."

Kishan's father said, "Ok Kishan, but not right now, it will be night time in the US, we will call him in the night, then It would be early morning and we can ask Grandpa to come on video chat. You can see him and he can see you."

Kishan was pleased. Later that night; Kishan's father called up Grandpa Hari and ask him to join on the video chat. Grandpa Hari came on video and was very happy to see Kishan and his family. Grandpa Hari could see a divine spark in Kishan's eyes and he understood that Kishan has changed a lot. Kishan's father and Chetana spoke to Grandpa Hari first and then Kishan's father left the room with Chetana to allow Kishan to speak to Grandpa Hari.

Kishan waited until everybody left the room and then he spoke to Grandpa, "Grandpa, I have been reading your book a lot, I love it."

Grandpa smiled and said, "Is it? That is very good."

Kishan said, "Grandpa you are so lucky to have a Sadguru, when will I get to a Sadguru like yours?"

Grandpa laughed and said, "You already have one can't you see your Sadguru?"

Kishan was puzzled. He asked "Who Grandpa?"

Grandpa said, "Do you think Guruji is not a Sadguru?"

Kishan said, "Our Guruji! Really!! He is so simple, just like us. Your Sadguru is so great!"

Grandpa explained, "Kishan, those people who can recognize a Sadguru are the most blessed. Your Guruji is the same as my Guruji. They only look different. It is the same power that works through both of them. Only foolish people think that a Sadguru is a normal human being. Do you know, in Krishna's time only a few people knew that he was God, his mother Yashoda, Kunti, Arjuna, Uddhava and a few other only knew he was God. Most of them saw him as a cow-herd boy. They thought he was like them. Only when you see God in another human being can you see God in yourself. Your Guruji is great, he is God himself. He is the same as any Sadguru in the world. When I met him for the first time I could see my Sadguru in him. They both are the same to me. Kishan, I want you to see your Guruji as Krishna himself. Learn as much as you can from him, he will give you all that you need and he will always protect you and your family."

Kishan was thinking about what Grandpa Hari had said about Guruji. He slowly realized that his Guru was a Sadguru, that he was God himself in the human form. Kishan was filled with joy that he meet a Sadguru.

Kishan and Grandpa spoke for a long time. Kishan told Grandpa about the parts in the book that he liked the most. Grandpa Hari gave more details on many events that he was not able to write about. Grandpa told him many more stories about himself and his Guru and advised Kishan on how to behave with a Guru and how to serve him.

****

# Chapter 67. Wrong things done for the right cause will not bring peace

Shloka 9.12

moghasa mogha karmano

mogha jnana vicetasah

raksasim asurim caiva

prakrtim mohinim sritah

Those who are thus bewildered are attracted by demonic and atheistic views. In that deluded condition, their hopes for liberation, their fruitive activities, and their culture of knowledge are all defeated.

Kishan's classes at school had resumed. He was eagerly waiting for the weekend to go meet Guruji at his Ashram. Kishan met Nishanth at school and as usual they sat together. Nishanth told Kishan about what happened in the holidays. Nishanth had been to Japan in the holidays with his father. He told Kishan about all the places he saw.

Nishanth said, "I met a Sumo wrestler Kishan! It was awesome. They are so big."

Kishan said, "Wow, cool. What else did you do there?"

Nishanth replied, "We went to visit a few places, a few gardens. Then we saw a Japanese drama, it was very funny. Even though I didn't understand a single word they said, the way they were acting was hilarious. Then one day we went to an old temple."

Kishan asked, "Which temple?"

"It was a monastery, a Buddha temple. There was huge golden Buddha statue inside. I'll show you the pictures tomorrow. It was so silent there, very quite and calm, and there were many Buddhist monks, they are so calm, they meditate all the time. It was nice. I was thinking about you at that time and wishing that you had come with us", said Nishanth.

Kishan said, "Yeah, you know I was wishing that you were there with me at the Ashram for two weeks. There was a Bhagavad Gita camp. It was great fun. We did a drama on Krishna. I played the role of Krishna."

Nishanth said, "Wow, did you record it?"

Kishan said, "Yeah my Dad has recorded it. We'll watch it in the evening, you can come over."

Nishanth asked, "What else happened there?"

Kishan said, "So many things! I'll tell you later. Mam is coming."

The class teacher entered the class room. In the lunch break Kishan continued to tell about his experiences at the Ashram. He told Nishanth about the book and he told Nishanth about the boy who took his book. Kishan then told him mank jokes that Guruji had shared and also discussed about many lessons that Guruji had taught.

In the evening Nishanth came over to Kishan's place. Kishan played the video of the drama on his computer and they watched it.

Nishanth said, "It was great. I wish I was there!"

Kishan said, "Don't worry, maybe next time. Hey! Im going to the Ashram this weekend you wanna come?"

Nishanth said that he would join them. He then asked if he can read Grandpa's book.

Kishan said, "Let me complete it first, then I have to give it to my Dad to read it, I can give it to you after he completes reading it"

Nishanth said, "Oh, that's Ok, you can just tell me the stories then."

Kishan said, "Yeah, yesterday I was reading this story where Grandpa Hari and his Guru were attacked by robbers."

Nishanth was excited, "Oh, tell me the story" he said

Kishan said, "One day, Grandpa Hari and his Guru were travelling to visit a temple. They reached the village that the temple was situated in, but when they reached the temple it was late in the night. Grandpa Hari suggested that they find a place to stay for the night. As they both walked the streets to find a place, suddenly three guys came with knives. Guruji was calm but Grandpa was a little afraid, he was scared for Guruji, that those guys might harm Guruji. Then those guys asked for money and threatened to kill both of them. Guruji calmly said that they had very little money and that won't be sufficient for them to pay the land lord. One of the robbers was shocked. Actually, one robber had to pay his landlord a lot of money but he was very poor and the landlord was a very bad man, he was troubling him a lot. He and his friends decided to rob some money and pay the landlord. The robber was shocked and asked Guruji how he came to know that he has to pay his landlord. Guruji smiled, gave him all his money and said, "Take it you need it more than me but stop this nonsense. You will bring danger to your family by doing this."

The robbers came to know that Guruji was a great man and they fell down at his feet. The robber cried and said, "Then what shall I do Maharaj? What shall I do for money?"

Guruji calmly said, "Don't worry, tell your landlord you will pay him next month, give him this for now, next month you will have good crops, you will earn well."

The robber was in doubt, he said, "Maharaj, you know everything, don't you know that there has been no rain, we have not had good crops for months."

Guruji smiled and said, "You will have it next month, trust me, have faith in God. You all lost your faith in God and Goodness, that's why you tried to do something wrong, lucky for you that you tried to rob me first. Now I'm asking you to have faith again, only bad will come out of bad. You thought you would be happy after doing all this. How can you be happy? Go back to God, go back to being good and all your problems will be solved."

The robbers threw away their knives. They understood what Guruji told and for some reason they believed in him. They saw something pure in him. They did not see an ounce of fear in him. Guruji gave them the money and they left.

Grandpa Hari said, "Guruji I have complete faith that this man will come out of all his troubles, but what about us now, we don't have any money."

Guruji laughed and said, "Just like how God gave money to that man and helped him, he will help us. Don't worry."

Kishan then explained, "I really like this story, and Grandpa Hari had left a small note at the bottom. He had written 'men do wrong to set things right in their lives. Without a Guru how can we know what is right, even if we know, we will not have the strength to live a life of truth.'"

Nishanth said, "Very nice story; can't wait to read the whole book."

****

# Chapter 68. Those who know God are constanly engaged in service

Shloka 9.13

mahatmanas tu mam partha

daivim prakrtim asritah

bhajanty ananya manaso

jnatva bhutadim avyayam

O son of Partha, those who are not deluded, the great souls, are under the protection of the divine nature. They are fully engaged in devotional service because they know Me as the supreme lord

Kishan was looking forward for the weekend to visit the Ashram. On this day when he was reading Grandpa's book he came across a chapter that was titled 'The happiest days of my life'. Kishan wanted to know what happened in Grandpa's life that day.

Grandpa had descried one of his stays with the Guru. Grandpa Hari had written in detail and with great joy about how he spent every minute with his Guru and how he felt every minute with his Guru. Grandpa Hari would wake up early in the morning by 4 am and meditate. He would meditate on his Guru for a couple of hours and then he would clean the house. His Guru lived in a small house but it was a beautiful house. It had a big garden in the back. His Sadguru liked gardening. He had many different kinds of flowers and plants. He would personally water them and he would talk to the flowers. Whenever Grandpa Hari visited and stayed over at Guruji's house he would help him in gardening and he would cook food for them. After meditation Grandpa Hari would sing Bhajans and clean the house. He would then cook breakfast for his Guru with great devotion. His Guru would always ask Grandpa Hari to eat along with him and both of them would have breakfast.

Many people would visit Sadguru Shivaprakash at his house. They would travel great distance to take his blessings and to listen to his teachings. Grandpa Hari would make sure that everyone stayed there comfortably. All the visitors thought that Grandpa Hari was Guruji's servant, but when they came to know that he was highly educated, had a very respectable job and yet was so humble and would not hesitate to do any kind of job, they would be surprised and would feel that he was great. Grandpa Hari used to clean the bathrooms and wash clothes too.

Grandpa Hari would work hard when he was in town, and when he was in the village with Guruji too he would work harder. In both the places he would work with devotion, as if everything that he is doing is for his Guru. Working like this brought his great joy and happiness.

During the initial days Grandpa Hari had asked Guruji, "Guruji I want to be here with you, why can't I just leave everything and be here and serve you?"

Guruji had replied, "Hari, I am everywhere and all the work that you do are my work. Why do you think that they are not my work? If you think about me before or after any work then that becomes your service to me. You have great things ahead of you the world needs you more than me. Always remember that by serving the world you are serving me. There are millions of people suffering in the world, I can't go there and help them all, but I will do it through you. Wherever you are; do your work and if possible help people."

Grandpa Hari had asked, "How can I help people Guruji?"

Guruji said, "Start teaching The Bhagavad Gita at your house in the town, a lot of people will come and benefit from it."

This is how Grandpa Hari started Bhagavad Gita classes at his house. From that day onwards Grandpa Hari did all his work with great devotion.

****

# Chapter 69. Always think of God's glories

Shloka 9.14

satatam kirtayanto mam

yatantas ca drdha vratah

namasyantas ca mam bhaktya

nitya yukta upasate

Always chanting my glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before me, these great souls perpetually worship me with devotion.

It was Krishna Janmashtami and Kishan's father had planned to invite many people home and celebrate the festival. Kishan and Chetana had bought new clothes which they wore and they were helping their mother decorate the house. They had cleared the hall of all the big furniture so that the guest could sit down on the carpets. Kishan and Chetana helped their mother to set up the place for Pooja. They kept a big idol of Krishna in the hall and decorated it beautifully. Kishan's father wanted to show the guests the video of Kishan's drama where Kishan played the role of Krishna and Chetana's dance too. After decorating, Kishan and Chetana went up to their room to get some carpets to spread on the floor.

Chetana asked Kishan, "Kishan I have invited Krishna to come and bless the function today."

Kishan smiled and said, "I'm sure he will come. What will you ask him if he comes?"

Chetana said, "I don't know, I haven't thought about it. What will you ask?"

Kishan said, "If I had a wish I would ask him to stay with us here forever."

Chetana said, "Yes me too. Then he can play with us, help us study, and he would always protect us."

Kishan said, "Do you know that Guruji is like Krishna? He doesn't look like him but he is as powerful as Krishna."

Chetana asked, "Who told you that?"

Kishan said, "Grandpa Hari told me that Guruji is God and that he has come here to show us God. That is why we are so happy in the Ashram."

Chetana asked, "Is Guruji coming here today?"

Kishan said, "I don't think so. Let us ask Dad to invite him."

The children ran to find their father. Kishan's father was in the kitchen helping their mother make Prasadam. The children ran in and said, "Dad, ask Guruji to come home today."

Kishan's father replied, "I don't think he will be able to come he is a very busy man, and he has so much work."

The children understood that Guruji was a busy man, but they were really excited with the idea. Kishan's father said, "Don't be sad, we'll go see him soon. If you have a good celebration today then Guruji will be very happy because we would have taken so many people a little closer to God through our Bhajan and Kishan's drama, right?"

The children agreed and went back into the hall to spread the carpets.

Kishan's father said to Kishan's mother, "Look at these children, did you see the excitement in their eyes? They make me happy day after day. I see many children, none are like them. Which child thinks about God and Guru? They are so divine at such a young age. Kishan is reading that book by Grandpa Hari in which I'm sure there are great stories about Sadguru. They truly are Krishna's devotees. There is a Shloka in the Gita where Krishna says that his true devotes always sing his glories. These children are always thinking about him, especially Kishan, I have seen the way he talks about Guruji I have seen his love for Guruji. It is truly great."

Kishan's mother said, "Yes dear. God has blessed us with wonderful children."

****

# Chapter 70. God will personally take care of his devotees

Shloka 9.22

ananyas cintayanto mam

ye janah paryupasate

tesam nityabhi yuktanam

yoga ksemam vahamy aham

Those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form, to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.

Kishan's family drove to the Ashram on the weekend. Nishanth joined them in their car. They reached the Ashram by 8am. They first went to the Krishna temple. Kishan recollected about the other day when he was sitting in the temple praying for the lost book. Kishan went and sat against the same pillar. Chetana and Nishanth sat on the other two sides of that pillar.

Chetana asked, "When will we meet Guruji?"

Kishan said, "We have to wait till 9am, we have reached early."

Chetana said, "Come let us play in the garden."

Kishan told his father that they would go to the garden and would come to the main all at 9. The children went to the garden to play.

At 9 am the bell rang and the children ran to the main hall. Guruji was meditating and a few of his students were present there. Kishan and the children went and sat with their parents.

Guruji said, "Does everybody know the story of a boy called Prahlad?"

The audience said, "Yes!"

Guruji said, "Good, listen to it again now." Everyone laughed.

Guruji continued, "Prahlad was the son of a demon but he always thought about Lord Vishnu. His father tried to kill him many times, but he could not succeed. Finally Vishnu came in the form of Narasimha and killed his father who was a demon. Now who can tell me what is the meaning of this story?"

Kishan immediately recollected a Shloka from The Bhagavad Gita. He raised his hands and chanted the above Shloka.

Guruji was very pleased. Guruji explained, "This boy has just told the meaning of the story with one Shloka of The Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna says that, whoever keeps their mind on him all the time, will be taken care of by him personally. That means Krishna will come down to protect you if you think about him all the time. Who all want Krishna as your personal bodyguard?"

The audience laughed.

Guruji continued, "This is a promise made by Krishna in The Bhagavad Gita, it is a written promise and this promise has stood for thousands of years and thousands of people have tested it. That is way you see people going to temple and doing pooja, they are thinking about Krishna, but not all the time. There are a few people, a few pure people, who constantly think about him like Prahlad and Krishna will come down to save them just as he did for Prahlad. He will keep his promise when you keep yours."

Kishan repeated in his mind 'God will keep his promise if you keep yours' and he felt as if Guruji was promising him that he will take care of him.

****

# Chapter 71. Choose wisely where you want to go

Shloka 9.25

yanti deva vrata devan

pitrn yanti pitr vratah

bhutani yanti bhuteiya

yanti mad yajino 'pi mam

Those who worship the DemiGods will take birth among the demigods, those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings, and those who worship Me will live with Me.

Kishan and Nishanthh were very happy to play in the gardens of the Ashram. The garden was very well maintained by the inmates of the Ashram as an offering to Mother Nature. In the morning, they went jogging with their fathers and they saw a college boy sitting on one of the benches in the garden studying a very big book and writing down something in a notebook. Kishan and Nishanthh had their breakfast, attended the morning workshop for children, had lunch and a small nap in the afternoon and around 5:00pm in the evening they went to the same garden to play. They were surprised to see the same boy sitting on the same bench and studying.

Kishan was curious and wanted to find out what the boy was studying and why. He went up to the boy with Nishanth and greeted him.

"Hari Om, I am Kishan and this is my friend Nishanthh, we have come to stay in the Ashram this weekend", said Kishan.

"Hari Om young boys, I am Siddarth, I am here for the weekend too", said the boy.

Kishan asked, "I saw you in the morning and you were studying, it looks like you have been studying all day. What is it that you are studying?"

"I am studying for an entrance exam to join engineering", replied Siddarth.

"Does one have to study so much, work so hard to join enginnering? You have been studying all day" asked Nishanth.

Siddarth now closed his book and asked the boys to sit with him. He said to them, "No, we need not study so much; we need not work as hard as I am. One can pass the entrance exams even by studying just for a few hours in a day. It is like this, if work hard now, my score in the exams will be very good and I can get into the best college where the best teachers will teach and I will have the best students in my class with whom I can discuss and study my subjects well and become a very good engineer. If I study less then I will get into an average college and become an average enginner. What I do today determines where I will be tomorrow so I am trying to do the best today and hoping to get into the best college. I explained to you both in detail because you both are young and what I told today might help you some other day in future."

Siddarth then said tool leave of them and resumed studying.

Kishan and Nishanthh were particularly impressed by what he said regarding how what they do today determines where they will be tomorrow.

They went back to their cottage and sat with Kishan's Dad. Kishan narrated what had happened to his Dad and asked him to tell them more about how what they do today will determine where they will be tomorrow.

Kishan's father said, "Siddarth has told you boys a very important fact about life. He was working so hard to get into the best college. He was clear that he wanted the best college and he was clear of what he needs to do for that. Always aim for the highest and work real hard to get it. If you want the best but you don't work for it then you will not get it. Do you boys think you got to meet Guruji just like that? Guruji is God himself, you have worked really hard in your previous lives to get him; because of your past efforts you have got good parents and friends and even good schools. Continue to work hard and retain them and achieve greater things."

Kishan recollected what he had read in Grandpa's book and said, "Dad, Grandpa says in his book that, what we think we become. It means the same as what you have told now right?"

Kishan's father replied, "Correct, what you always think of and work towards is what you get. I am not worried about the two of you. I know what you both think about all the time. You are children of The Bhagavad Gita and Krishna will give you the best."

****

# Chapter 72. God accepts any offering made with love

Shloka 9.26

patram puspam phalam to yam

yo me bhaktya prayacchati

tad aham bhakty upahrtam

asnami prayatatmanah

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.

It was Sunday evening and the weekend was almost over. Kishan had not got a chance to talk to Guruji in person. He wanted to talk to Guruji and tell him so many things. Kishan was waiting for an opportunity and it did not come, so he decided to go and meet Guruji in his room before the evening session started. Kishan walked towards Guruji's room and he suddenly recollected Grandpa's instruction. Grandpa Hari had told him that one must always take some offering while going to meet a Sadguru. Kishan then went to the garden and plucked two beautiful flowers to offer to Guruji. He stood in front of Guruji's door and knocked on the door.

Guruji opened the door and said, "Ah, you have brought flowers!"

Kishan offered the flowers at Guruji's feet and prostrated at his feet.

Guruji said, "What can I do for you Kishan?"

Kishan said, "Grandpa Hari told me you are a Sadguru. Will you accept me as your disciple?"

Guruji laughed and said, "You already are my disciple, I have already started teaching you, aren't you learning The Bhagavad Gita?"

Kishan said, "Yes I am Guruji, but I want to learn it from you."

Guruji said, "There is not much learning left for you son, you will be teaching soon."

Kishan asked, "You want me to teach The Bhagavad Gita? I'm just a boy."

Guruji said, "You will start teaching but not right now, in the near future, and you are not just a boy, you are my disciple."

Kishan said, "How can I teach when I don't know anything?"

Guruji smiled and said, "How did you get these flowers?"

"I plucked them from the garden" replied Kishan.

Guruji said, "Teaching is as easy as that, you take my words and offer it to people and when you do this with a good intention of helping them; it is the same as you keep a flower at my feet. Whenever you talk about Guru or God, for me it is as if you are keeping two beautiful flowers at my feet. I am not asking you to teach, I am asking you to keep offering flowers but in a different way. Is that difficult?"

Kishan smiled and said, "What if I make mistakes?"

Guruji said, "Don't think about mistakes, just offer with love to me and it will come to me. I will teach you how to teach. You are no ordinary child. You are a Rishi, a divine being who has come to this earth to help people."

Kishan did not know what to say. He had come with many questions but he had forgotten most of them. He was just happy to be in Guruji's presence.

Guruji said, "Do you want to listen to a story? Once there was a young boy just like you but he was very poor unlike you. He wanted to do Pooja to Krishna but he had no money. He did not even have a photograph of Krishna, so he closed his eyes and visualized that he is rich, and he visualized that there is a big golden idol of Krishna in front of him, he visualized that he had flowers and fruits in his hands and offered them. He then visualized that he has a bowl of pudding in his hands and before offering he wanted to check if it was hot. He put his finger in the imaginary bowl, with a sudden jerk he pulled his hand back because the pudding was very hot and his finger was scalded. A blister formed on his finger due to the scald. Do you know how?"

Kishan said, "How Guruji, he was just imagining it, there was no real bowl."

Guruji said, "Yes, for you there was no bowl but for Krishna everything was real because that boy was doing Pooja with great devotion. What matters is devotion. Without devotion if you offer anything it is a waste, but with devotion if you offer even a leaf, a flower or a fruit then Krishna will accept it. Krishna responds to love that is in the heart, not to money, not to riches. Do you understand?"

Kishan said, "Yes Guruji."

****

# Chapter 73. Offer everything to God

Shloka 9.27

yat karosi yad asnasi

yaj juhosi Dadasi yat

yat tapas yasi kaunteya

tat kurusva mad arpanam

Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform, do that, O son of Kunti, as an offering to Me.

Kishan was in deep thoughts after he came out of Guruji's room. He silently entered the main hall and sat in a corner and waited for Guruji's session.

Kishan's mother had packed everything and they had kept their luggage in the car, they were leave after the evening session.

Guruji walked into the hall and sat on his chair. As usual he started with OM chanting followed by prayers. Since it was Sunday evening many people had gathered in the main hall and it was full.

Guruji started the session. He said, "Today I am going to talk about a very important Shloka of the Bhagavad Gita. The one who understands this Shloka and the one who follows this will attain great heights in his outer life and inner life. Please repeat after me,

yat karosi yad asnasi

yaj juhosi Dadasi yat

yat tapas yasi kaunteya

tat kurusva mad arpanam"

The audience repeated the Shloka after Guruji.

Guruji paused for a while after chanting and said, "If possible write this Shloka in bold letters and paste it on your wall. This will change your life"

He saw at Kishan and smiled. Now he looked at the audience again and continued, "Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you see, whatever you think, offer everything to God. Say 'God! Take it'."

Guruji smiled and continued, "Can you offer alcohol to God? Can you offer God a cigarette? Can you offer anything bad to God? No you can't. By offering everything to God, you are becoming free from all your negative habits. You will stop doing bad deeds and indulging in bad habits just because you can't offer it to God. We have all done something wrong, that is absolutely fine but what is not fine is that we keep it in our mind and suffer. Offer it to God and forget about it. Forgive yourself and know that God has forgiven you. The whole world may say you are bad but the moment you say it you lose. Don't lose! God is on your side, offer your past to him; offer your future to him and from this moment every single thing to him. Tthe big question now is how to offer? Just think about him or say his name and consider that it has been offered and he has accepted it. Can you all do that?"

The audience replied, "Yes Guruji!"

Guruji continued, "Write this Shloka and paste it on your wall if you can't have it in your mind. Think about this everyday and offer everything to God. Then you will start doing good work, because you know that you have to offer it and you can't offer laziness."

Kishan decided in his mind that as soon as he goes home he would take a big cardboard sheet, write this Shloka on it with beautiful handwriting and put it up on the wall.

Guruji said in conclusion, "I am not asking you to give God anything physical, don't go and offer your money or your house or your toys. I want you all to offer it mentally. In your mind, after you do something or before you do something, just tell 'Krishna, this is for you' and be true to yourself that you are doing it for Krishna. In this way you will become incapable of doing something wrong and doing a bad job. All your work will become pure and beautiful."

****

# Chapter 74. God is equal to all

Shloka 9.29

samo ham sarva bhutesu

na me dvesyo 'sti na priyah

ye bhajanti tu mam bhaktya

mayi te tesu capy aham

I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. Whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, and I am also a friend to him.

Kishan's father drove the car this time with only Kishan and Nishanth. It was a weekend and Kishan wanted to be at the Ashram. Kishan's father was busy this weekend so he had told the children that he won't be able to stay but he would drop them to the Ashram on Saturday morning and pick them up on Sunday evening. They reached the Ashram and Kishan's father spoke to Mr Shyam who was one of Guruji's students and took care of administration at the Ashram.

Mr Shyam said, "Not to worry Sir, I'll keep an eye on the children."

Kishan's father thanked Mr Shyam and left.

Kishan saw a boy in the garden, it was Ram. Kishan had met Ram during the two week camp. Ram had played the role of Balaram in the drama. Kishan and Nishanth walked up to Ram and Kishan introduced Nishanth to Ram. Ram was quite tall for his age but he had an innocent face and a pleasant smile.

Ram asked, "Is there another camp going on here? Is that why you are here?"

Kishan said, "No, we just wanted to see Guruji and be with him, that's why we came. Why are you here?"

Ram replied, "My mother is Guruji's student, I know Guruji from a very long time. He is the one who named me Ram."

Kishan said, "Oh that's so nice. You are so lucky that you are so close to Guruji."

Ram said, "Yeah, he is very close to us he has come to our house many times. He usually does not go to anybody's house."

Kishan wished that Guruji would come to his house after hearing what Ram said. He felt as if he was far from Guruji.

Ram and Nishanth got along very well and they spoke about many things. They spoke about games and school. Kishan was silent the whole time. When Nishanth and Ram were talking, Kishan saw Guruji near the temple.

He immediatly said, "Hey, see Guruji."

Ram said, "Come let's go talk to him."

All the children ran to Guruji.

Guruji saw the children and said, "Well, look who we have here, Kishan, Ram, and Nishanth. Im going to the library, do you children want to come? You can't make any noise there."

The children agreed and followed him.

Ram went ahead and held Guruji's hand and walked with him. Kishan watched in silence, he felt left out. He held his Guru so close to his heart but he saw that there was someone else closer to the Guru, he felt that Ram's heart must be more pure than his and that's why he is so close to Guruji.

Kishan stopped and said, "Guruji, you guys go to the library, I want to go to the temple."

Kishan walked back to the temple. Guruji looked at him and smiled and went into the library with Ram and Nishanth.

Kishan went and sat against the same pillar again. He closed his eyes and started thinking about Grandpa Hari and told him in his mind that he is sad that he is not close to Guruji like how Grandpa Hari was close to his Sadguru. Kishan opened his eyes that were filled with tears and he looked at the idol of Krishna. From the sanatorium of the temple; the priest of the temple came out with a basket of flowers in his hand.

The priest asked him, "Why are you crying young man?"

Kishan didn't know what to say.

The priest smiled at him and said, "Well, you are in the right place; you can talk to Krishna and ask him to solve all your problems."

Kishan said, "What if Krishna is my problem?"

The priest asked, "What do you mean?"

Kishan paused for a while and said, "What if Krishna doesn't like me, what if he likes someone else more than me?"

The priest laughed and chanted a Shloka from the Bhagavad Gita and said, "Do you know what Krishna says in the Gita about whom he likes? He says that he is not partial to anyone, all are equal to him he loves everybody equally. I understand where you get your question from. Sometimes it might seem that someone else is close to Krishna and you are not. No one can distance you from the Krishna within you. Just because he is giving attention to someone else at this moment why do you push him away from your heart? You are lucky that you are away from him, that way you won't become proud saying 'I am close to Krishna!' People usually do that, they take pride in telling they are close to a great man. Krishna is saving you from that."

Kishan said, "Yes, if he is close to me I might start telling I am the closest to Krishna."

He then understood that Grandpa Hari had never become proud and he never said 'I am special, I am close to Sadguru' he would humbly do his work.

Kishan decided to be exactly like Grandpa Hari and just think about what he can offer to Guruji instead of asking things from Guruji.

****

# Chapter 75. Anyone can become pure

Shloka 9.30

api cet su duracaro

bhajate mam ananya bhak

sadhur eva sa mantavyah

samyag vyavasito hi sah

Even if one commits the most abominable action, if he is engaged in devotional service he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated in his determination.

Kishan, Nishanth and Ram were the only children at the Ashram on Sunday morning. Guruji had asked them to wake up early and be ready to go on a walk at 6am with him. The children had kept an alarm the previous night to wake them up at 5am. They woke up at 5:00am and quickly got ready for the walk. They were waiting outside Guruji's room from 5:45am.

Guruji came out of his room at 6:00am sharp and said, "How long have you children been waiting here for?"

Ram answered, "From fifteen minutes Guruji."

Guruji smiled and said, "Wow, you boys are excited about the walk I guess."

Guruji laughed and they started.

They walked for a long distance towards the small hill that was behind the Ashram. Guruji told them many short stories and the children were laughing all the way. It was a beautiful morning.

They now reached a huge rock which could be easily climbed. All of them climbed onto the rock, they had a good view of the whole Ashram from there. Guruji then pointed out to a man and said, "Boys, do you see that man there?"

The boys said, "Yes."

The man was sweeping near the gate of the Ashram.

Guruji said, "Do you know who that is? That is Raghavan. He is the owner of all this land. It is he who donated this land to us to build the Ashram."

The children were surprised as Raghavan looked very poor and they had seen him in the Ashram, sweeping the floor and cleaning the Ashram.

Guruji said, "He is a great man, but he wasn't always like this. He had a wife and a big house. He was very rich but he had many bad habits. He used to drink a lot and come back home and trouble his wife. One day, he came back home drunk and picked up a fight with his wife and in his anger he killed her. He spent many years in prison. When he was released he was hopeless. He had no wife, no respect. Only his money remained. I happened to meet him the very day he was released from prison. I told him that he has been released from one prison and asked him who would release him from the other? He did not understand, he asked me what I meant. I told him that his past is his prison and he will not be at peace until he comes out of his past. After a few days he became my disciple. He transformed slowly by understanding my teachings. Later, he decided to use all his money to serve people. He got this Ashram built and now he works in the Ashram without expecting anything. He does all his work thinking that he is serving God. Do you know one great thing about him?"

"What Guruji?" asked the children.

"He is enlightened he has become one with God. Just look at his face you will see how peaceful he is. No more anger, no more guilt, he is completely free", said Guruji.

Nishanth said, "How is that possible Guruji? He killed his wife. There are so many good people in the world and they are not enlightened."

Guruji explained, "It does not matter what one's past is. If he decides to dedicate his life in the service of The Lord then The Lord will purify him and free him. He wanted to become free. Most people are happy as they are, they don't ask for God, they ask God to give something, they don't ask for God himself. Do you understand?"

Nishanth said, "Yes."

Guruji and the boys meditated for sometime and then headed back to the Ashram for breakfast.

****

# Chapter 76. Enlightenment is for all

Shloka 9.32

mam hi partha vyapasritya

ye 'pi syuh papa yonayah

striyo vaisyas tatha sudras

te 'pi yanti param gatim

O son of Prtha, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth, women, vaisyas (Merchants) and sudras, can attain the supreme destination.

Breakfast was served at the Ashram at 8am and the children were in the canteen. They would all first chant a prayer and then start eating. When they were having breakfast the boys saw a big car pull over by the Ashram. A wealthy family of three got down from the car. They walked into the Ashram and went straight to Guruji's room. Later, the children came to know that the man who had come was a wealthy businessman and his son had been initiated through a thread ceremony done recently and they had come there to seek Guruji's blessing.

Ram asked Kishan, "Do you have the Sacred Thread?"

Kishan said, "No, not yet."

Nishanth said, "Me neither."

Ram said, "I have it from the past 2 years."

Nishanth asked, "How about Chetana, does she have it?"

Ram laughed and said, "Mr NRI, it is only for boys not girls."

Nishanth asked, "Why?"

Ram replied, "I don't know why but that's how it is."

Kishan said, "There must be a reason, let's ask Guruji in the class today."

During the afternoon session after Guruji finished his talk Ram raised his hand and asked, "Guruji, why are girls not allowed to wear the Sacred Thread?"

Guruji laughed and said, "That's a good question. Let me answer that. There was no such rule in the Vedic times. In fact both boys and girls would wear a holy thread and the Guru would teach both of them equally. Do you know that there were many women Rishis in the Vedic period? There are many great enlightened women Gurus even today. Buddha himself had many women monks as his students. India was attacked by many forigen rulers and countries and in those foreign countries women were considered lower than men. When they came to India and attacked India, they tried to destroy our culture, they corrupted our teachings and thus today we say that girls should not get the highest teaching which is given at the time of the Sacred Thread ceremony. It is wrong. Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita that everyone is eligible for enlightenment. Enlightenment is the birth right of all human beings. We are born to get enlightened. It does not matter which family we are born in, or which country we are born in. It does not matter if we are male or female. The society is not ready to accept this yet, so we have to wait but you can change your attitude towards people right now. Don't see anyone as high or low. Everyone have divine potential in them."

****

# Chapter 77. Let your mind be full of God

Shloka 9.34

man mana bhava mad bhakto

mad yaji mam namaskuru

mam evaisyasi yuktvaivam

atmamam mat parayanah

Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.

Chetana's birthday was coming up and Kishan wanted to gift her something special. He spoke to his mother about it and they decided to go shop for the gift. Chetana fell ill a few days before her birthday. Kishan's parents had to take her to the hospital as her condition was quite bad. The doctor examined her, got the necessary tests done and said she would recover soon but she would have to be admitted in the hospital for a few days. Kishan stayed with Chetana most of the time and told her the stories that he had heard from Guruji and Grandpa Hari's stories from the book.

Once, when their mother has gone out, Chetana asked Kishan, "Kishan, when will I become like you?"

Kishan was surprised. He said, "Like me?"

Chetana said, "I want to be like you."

"I want you to be better than me and you will be", said Kishan.

"Am I going to die?" asked Chetana.

Kishan laughed and said, "No silly girl, the doctor said you can go home in a few days."

Chetana smiled and said, "That's good. I cannot die so soon, I have not seen God yet."

Kishan said, "When do you think you will see God?"

"That is why I want to be like you. I can see him like you have if I become like you" replied Chetana.

"Who told you I have?" asked Kishan.

Chetana said, "Grandpa Hari was singing a song one day. I asked him which song he was singing and he told me it was Bhaja Govindam. I like it a lot. I asked him what it meant and he told me the meaning of one paragraph. He said children always think about games, teenage boys always think about girls, elders always worry about money but no one ever thinks about God. He then said that you always think about God and that I should become like you if I want to see God."

Kishan smiled and said, "He was right, we must always think about God only then can we see him, your mind should always be on God."

****

# Chapter 78. God is the source of everything

Shloka 10.8

aham sarvasya prabhavo

mattah sarvam pravartate

iti matva bhajante mam

budha bhava samanvitah

I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.

Kishan was at school and it was history class. The history teacher was talking about the great history of India and mentioned many mind blowing facts about India's contribution to the world. The history teacher said that India was an all rounder and that we had excelled in many subjects. We had excelled in both the inner and the outer subjects. We had made great discoveries in science, mathematics, astrology, astronomy, medicine and spirituality. At the end of the class the history teacher gave an assignment. She asked each child to find 10 great facts about India and write them in their homework book and show it to her in the next class.

At home Kishan searched on the internet for facts about India. He found many great facts and he thought that yes India truly was an all rounder and many Indian's were all rounders too.

They had Bhagavad Gita class at home that evening. Kishan's father would take the class twice a week for a few children. Kishan's father started the class by asking each child what they had learnt in the last class. Everyone told what they had learnt and when it was Kishan's turn he told the meaning of the last Shloka they had learnt to chant.

Kishan then said, "Dad, in school we learnt about the history of India and that India was an all rounder. There were many great people from India who made great contributions to the world."

Kishan's father said, "Correct, India is a land of the Rishis. India is a land of wisdom. Do you know what 'Bharat' means? 'Bha' means wisdom and 'rath' means chariot. India is a country that carries wisdom. I want you all to be the carriers of wisdom and only then will you be true Indians. You must carry inner wisdom and outer wisdom. How do you get inner wisdom?"

The children said, "From the Bhagavad Gita."

Kishan's father continued, "Study the Bhagavad Gita and study all your subjects and become masters. Like lord Krishna. Krishna was brilliant. He knew the secrets of the universe. He was a master of many things. He had deep inner knowledge about inner science and outer sciences. Let's chant a Shloka now"

They chanted the above Shloka

Kishan's father then said, "In this Shloka Krishna says that he is the source of everything, all knowledge comes from him, inner and outer. India is great because India is the land of Krishna and Krishna Bhaktas. One who is devoted to Krishna will attain inner and outer success. Do you all want inner and outer success?"

The children loudly said, "Yes."

Kishan's father said, "Good!"

****

# Chapter 79. Teach those who seek

Shloka 10.9

mac citta mad gata prana

bodhayantah parasparam

kathayantas ca mam nityam

tusyanti ca ramanti ca

The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.

Kishan and Nishanth were discussing about Guruji in the lunch break and three of their friends over heard their conversation and came to their table.

Ashwin said, "Who is this loser Guruji? All Gurus are bogus."

Nishanth said with anger, "Hey don't say that. You don't know our Guruji."

Prajwal said, "They all are the same. He must be old, sporting a big white beard, wearing an orange robe and a million beads around his neck."

Kishan said, "He is nothing like that. He is very smart, does not have a beard. He looks as smart as an an old actor. He doesn't wear orange but he wears white. He doesn't have a million beads, only one. You don't know who he is."

Ashwin pushed Kishan and said, "He is a loser Guruji, that's who he is dude. Don't become like him, give up all this nonsense and chill."

Kishan smiled and said, "OK." Nishanth later asked Kishan, "Why did you agree to what Ashwin said? You should have given a rude reply."

Kishan replied, "When Ashwin has already come to a conclusion about all Gurus what can I say to him? If he had asked me sincerely with genuine interest to know about our Guruji I would have explained to him."

Kishan told about the incident to his father and Kishan's father said, "You did the right thing Kishan. There is no point in talking about God and Guru to people who don't have respect for it. It is not your job to teach them. That is why all Gurus only teach those who come and ask for teaching. They don't go and teach everybody. Krishna himself did not teach Arjuna until Arjuna said that he wants to become Krishna's student. If you talk about Guru and God to someone who knows nothing or someone who has no respect then they will argue and you will end up being sad or angry."

Kishan's father hugged Kishan and said, "There are very few people who are like you, you have behaved like Krishna and not like a young boy. I'm very proud of you."

****

# Chapter 80. Grace of Guru is his teaching

_Shloka_ 10.10

tesam satata yuktanam

bhajatam priti purvakam

Dadami buddhi yogam tam

yena mam upayanti te

To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.

Kishan was unable to go to the Ashram for over a month because of his school work and many other reasons. Finally, today he was free and so was everybody at home. They left for the Ashram early on Saturday morning. When they reached the Ashram they found out that Guruji was not I the Ashram. Mr Shyam from the Ashram said that Guruji had gone to the city to visit one of his old friends in the hospital and that he would return by evening.

Kishan's father said, "Children, we can either stay in a cottage wait for Guruji or we can do some seva in the Ashram, what shall we do?"

Chetana asked, "What seva Dad?"

Mr Shyam said, "You can do anything. You can help in the kitchen, you can help with the clothes or you can help with cleaning and arranging."

Chetana's mother said, "Chetana and I will help in the kitchen and you both can help with cleaning."

Kishan and Chetana agreed. Mr Shyam asked them to meet the respective supervisor to get started.

The kitchen supervisor asked Chetana and her mother to chop vegetables for lunch. There were a lot of vegetables as lunch was being cooked for more than a hundred people. Chetana and her mother started their work.

Kishan and his father spoke to Mr Trivedi who was the responsible to keep the Ashram premises clean and he would allot work to volunteers. Kishan and his father were asked to help the other volunteers in cleaning the main hall which involved dusting all the meditation cushions, sweeping and swobbing the hall and finally arranging the chairs.

Kishan helped in carrying the meditation cushions outside and he gave it to a volunteer who was dusting them and cleaning them. Kishan's father was sweeping the hall. The volunteer who was outside was from Australia. He spoke to Kishan and told Kishan that his name was Michael.

Michael said, "You are quite strong for your age kid."

Kishan said, "Thank you."

Then Kishan ran to get the next cushion. This went on for sometime and they all took a break. Kishan and Michael sat outside and spoke.

Kishan asked, "Which country are you from Uncle?"

Michael replied, "I'm from Australia. Have you ever been to Australia?"

Kishan smiled and said, "No."

Michael said, "Well you must come, it's a lovely place."

Kishan asked, "How did you meet Guruji?"

Michael said, "Well, I came to India in search of an enlightened master. I met many Gurus across the country but I could not get the answer for my questions. I did a lot of service; I did Yoga and tried all techniques. Finally, I came across a small book by our Guruji in which I found answers to a lot of my questions. Then I tried to find out where he lived and I found him in the North. This was 4 years ago. He answered all my questions and I was at peace. I visit India twice a year. I come here and spend some time with Guruji, do some seva and go back home."

Kishan smiled.

Michael asked Kishan, "Are your parents Guruji's students?"

Kishan said, "I am his student."

Michael laughed and said, "Of course, so what have you learnt?"

Kishan said, "What can I say, ask me some question and I'll answer."

Michael was pleased with Kishan's confidence. Both of them were enjoying the conversation. It was like a small game. Michael asked, "Ok, I'll ask you an easy one first. Who is God?"

Kishan smiled and said, "Very easy, Guru is God."

Michael laughed and continued, "Ok, how can you become one with God?"

Kishan replied, "When you have a pure heart the Sadguru will show you God."

Michael was very impressed, "Not bad, you are very intelligent."

Kishan said, "I have a question for you."

"Go ahead", said Michael. "Are you enlightened?"Kishan asked.

Michael laughed as he did not expect such a question. He said, "I don't know, I'd like to say that I am very happy and peaceful. I don't need anything else. I have understood all that Guruji has taught."

Kishan smiled and they both got up from their seats and decided to go back to work

****

# Chapter 81. Guru removes darkness

_Shloka_ 10.11

tesam evanukampartham

aham ajnana jam tamah

nasayamy atma bhava stho

jnana dipena bhasvata

To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance

It was a beautiful day for Kishan's family in the Ashram. All of them had been engaged in seva activites from the time they arrived. Chetana and her mother had been assisting the Ashram cook in the kitchen while Kishan and his father had helped the other volunteers to clean the main hall. Guruji returned to the Ashram in the evening.

At 5:30pm in the evening the bell rang indicating that Guruji would start his evening teaching session. Everybody gathered in the main hall and was seated. Kishan and his family were there too.

Guruji started the session with a prayer and then said, "My old friend Mr Dwarknath passed away today, he was a great Yogi, a good man, let us spend a few moments in silence."

The hall was quite for a while and then Guruji continued, "Death can come to anybody at anytime and if you truly understand this then you will make your life beautiful. A very long time ago there was a brave boy called Nachiketa. In great anger, his father cursed him to die. Nachiketa was a very wise boy, a very brave boy, he waited for the God of death to come, and he had many questions to ask him. Finally the God of death arrived and granted him 3 wishes for having made him wait for long. This boy was not after toys or silly things from the world. He didn't want money. He wanted to know the truth about what happens after death. He wanted to know what life is and what death is. Who among you have sincerely asked these questions?"

The audience was silent. Kishan was intently listening to Guruji.

Guruji continued, "The God of death became a Guru. He gave the supreme knowledge to Nachiketa, to that small boy. The Guru removed all his doubts. Do you know what 'Guru' means? 'Gu' means darkness, stupidity and illusion. 'Ru' means to destroy. The one who destroys your desire for short lived things and removes your fear, hate and anger is your Guru. Nachiketa found his Guru in death and attained the highest state, a state free from birth and death. This is the importance of Guru's teaching. Nothing in this world can make you free from the cycle of birth and death apart from the teaching of the Guru. This country is a land of Sadgurus. This country is the land where many enlightened masters were born. You are all here now. Make most use of this. Study the teachings of the Gurus, read about their lives, and do not postpone God. I am very happy that there are young children here, and that they are studying Bhagavad Gita. I hope that seeing them many others will join. Nachiketa was very intelligent, very focused; he wanted to know the truth. One who is so determined is the one who will receive the grace of the Guru. The teaching that the God of death gave to Nachiketa is the same that Krishna gave to Arjuna, we are blessed to have this book, The Bhagavad Gita. Let us chant a few Shlokas from the Gita and try to understand its menaing."

Guruji asked his students to start chanting the Shlokas, the audience repeated after them.

****

# Chapter 82. You are the 'One'

Shloka 12

Arjuna uvaca

param brahma param dhama

pavitram paramam bhavan

purusam sasvatam divyam

adi devam ajam vibhum

Arjuna said: You are the ultimate abode, the purest, the Absolute Truth. You are the eternal, transcendental, original person, the unborn, and the greatest.

Kishan had finished reading more than half of Grandpa Hari's book. On the weekends when he was at the Ashram he would read the book sitting alone in the garden or sitting in the temple when nobody was around.

Today, Kishan sat on a wooden bench in the Ashram garden which was beside the temple. He closed his eyes for a moment and then opened the pages of the book to continue reading from where he had stopped.

The chapter that he now started reading began with a small drawing. Grandpa Hari had done a small sketch. It was a sketch of planet earth and behind the earth Grandpa Hari had sketched Lord Krishna with his eyes closed. Kishan was excited to read this chapter. Grandpa Hari had written that this chapter would be about a great vision that he had.

It had been three years since Grandpa Hari and Grandma Lakshmi were married. They had a son, who was now one year old. Grandpa Hari and Grandma Lakshmi wanted Guruji to name the child. They were not able to visit Guruji for one whole year as Grandma's health was bad and she had to recover. When the child was one year old, Grandpa Hari said to Grandma, "We must go to Guruji now and request him to name our boy. I think it's the right time."

Grandma agreed and they made the necessary arrangements. They then left with the baby to Sadguru Shivaprakash's village.

They reached the village and went straight to Guruji's house. Guruji was in the backyard watering the plants when they arrived at his home. They were greeted by a young boy of 16, he had a pleasant face and a beautiful smile. He came to the main door and asked, "Can I help you?"

Grandpa Hari said, "We are here to meet Guruji."

The boy replied, "Please come in, you must have come from a distance. Please be seated. I will inform Guruji. Who should I say has come?"

"Please tell him that Hari has come", said Grandpa.

The boy went to the backyard and told Guruji that a person called Hari had come to see him. Sadguru smiled and placed the mug of water on the ground and went inside the house. When Grandpa and Grandma saw Sadguru they placed the child at his feet and prostrated at his feet.

"Oh, who is this young Krishna?" asked Guruji as he bent down to take the child in his arms.

Grandma said, "He is our son Guruji, we have not name him yet."

Grandpa Hari said, "We came to request you to name him Guruji."

Guruji was seeing the child's face and smiling. He said, "His face is shining like the sun, let's call him Suryanarayana!"

Grandpa and Grandma were very happy that Guruji had named their son.

Grandpa later asked Guruji about the young boy who was serving him. Guruji said, "Oh, this is Anand, he is my new student. He stays with me serving me. His parents passed away last year, they were good people. I have seen him from when he was just an infant. After his parents death he decided to stay with me."

Grandpa smiled at Anand.

That evening, Guruji, Anand and Grandpa sat for meditation. Grandma was in the room taking care of the baby.

It had been more than an hour that they had been meditating and then Guruji asked them to open their eyes.

He said, "When Krishna was a baby, he showed his mother the whole universe in his tiny little mouth. How luck she was that great mother Yashoda. In the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna gave divine vision to Arjuna and Arjuna saw the great form of The Lord. He saw the whole universe as Lord Krishna."

Anand asked, "Can you show us the same Guruji?"

Guruji and Grandpa laughed. Guruji said, "Do you think you are ready to see it?"

Anand innocently said, "Yes, I am Guruji."

Guruji looked at Grandpa and asked, "Do you want to see it too Hari?"

Grandpa Hari said, "If you think I am ready Guruji."

Guruji said, "Very well, both of you close your eyes."

Both of them closed their eyes. Guruji got up from his seat and he went to Grandpa first. He stood in front of Grandpa and placed his palm on the top of Grandpa's head. Grandpa's mind became very silent. It was as if he was in deep sleep, everything vanished, nothing was there, nothing at all, and he felt as if he had no body, he felt as if he was infinite space. He then saw the form of Krishna and within Krishna's form he saw the whole universe, he saw millions of people within Krishna and within them he saw Krishna again. He saw that everything was Krishna, the earth, the sun, moon, stars, galaxies, everything was in Krishna and Krishna was in them. Only Grandpa Hari's body sat there, his mind travelled in space at great speed witnessing everything as divine and everything as pure. After sometime he became aware of his body, he opened his eyes and he saw Krishna in front of him. Grandpa Hari's eyes were filled with tears, as he looked at Krishna, Krishna faded into Guruji's body and now he saw Guruji. He prostrated at Guruji's feet and sang a Bhajan glorifying Guruji as Lord Krishna.

After the Bhajan Grandpa sat in front of Guruji with his eyes closed. He was lost in Krishna. Guruji looked at Anand and asked, "What did you see?"

Anand replied, "I din't see anything Guruji."

Guruji laughed and he looked at Grandpa. "Hari?" he said

Grandpa opened his eyes and said, "You are the 'One'. You are him, you are everything"

****

# Chapter 83. God in the form of Guru teaches about himself

_Shloka_ 10.13

ahus tvam rsayah sarve

devarsir naradas tatha

asito devalo vyasah

svayam caiva bravisi me

All the great sages such as Narada, Asita, Devala and Vyasa confirm this truth about You, and now You Yourself are declaring it to me.

Kishan was trying to trace Grandpa's sketch from the book. As he was drawing he was trying to imagine what Grandpa Hari could have seen. He completed the sketch and took a look at it. It was bigger than what Grandpa Hari had drawn in his book. Kishan took the paper downstairs to show his parents. He went to the kitchen and showed it to his mother.

"Wow! Did you do this?" asked Kishan's mother.

"Yes, Grandpa Hari had sketched this in his book, I tried to copy it. It is not as good as his" said Kishan.

Kishan's mother said, "It is very good. Did you show it to your father? Go on show him now."

Kishan ran upto his father and showed him the painting.

"This is amazing Kishan!" said Kishan's father.

Kishan said, "Thanks Dad, I copied it from Grandpa's book, this is a sketch he made."

Kishan's father said, "Is that so? Well, both of you are great artists I must say."

Kishan asked, "Did Grandpa paint dad?"

Kishan's father replied, "Oh yes, he is a great artist, he has done many paintings. That painting of Krishna there was done by him. Just go have a closer look at it."

Kishan walked upto the painting and had a closer look. He saw a signature at the bottom. It was very tiny, it said 'Hari'.

"This is Grandpa's painting!" exclaimed Kishan.

Kishan's father smiled and said, "Yes, he gave it to me a long time ago. I think you weren't born yet. I was in the US on some work and I had gone to visit Grandpa Hari at uncle Surya's place. He was alone at home that day and he was painting something based on the dream he had the previous night. It was a beautiful place and in the dream he heard someone playing the flute. He said that he had never heard such beautiful music in his whole lifetime. He told that when he followed the music he reached a big tree and Lord Krishna was sitting there playing the flute. He told me that he was trying to paint what he saw. I watched him paint the whole day and when he completed it I told him it was beautiful. Then he told me that I can have it, and blessed me. I was very happy. I felt as if Lord Krishna had come home when I put this up on the wall."

Kishan said, "It's a beautiful painting Dad. I hope I see Krishna soon so that I can do a painting of him, like Grandpa."

Kishan's father smiled and said, "You will my son, you have a Sadguru now. Krishna comes in the form of a Sadguru and teaches about himself. God is seen only with Guru's grace. How can someone who has not seen God show you God?"

Kishan thought about Guruji and went back to his room.

****

# Chapter 84. The beautiful creation of the Lord

_Shloka_ 10.41

yad yad vibhutimat sattvam

srimad urjitam eva va

tat tad evavagaccha tvam

mama tejo 'msa sambhavam

Know that all opulent, beautiful and glorious creations spring from but a spark of my splendor.

Kishan's father came home a little late. He had brought something with him. It was a big rectangular box. Chetana saw the box and asked, "What is this Dad?"

Kishan's father said, "Wait, I'll tell you. Go ask your brother to join us. I have got something very nice for both of you."

Chetana was excited. She ran near the stairs and shouted out to Kishan who was in his room upstairs.

"Kishan, Dad has brought some gift for us, come down fast", she said.

When Kishan came down, Kishan's father sat on the couch and while opening the box he said, "This is a telescope!"

Kishan and Chetana were very excited. They wanted their father to set it up immediately to see how it works.

Kishan's mother said, "Let your father rest for sometime, he will come and set it up in your room later."

Kishan's father went into his room.

Later that night, Kishan's parents came into Kishan's room with the telescope. Kishan's father read the instructions and assembled the parts.

"It's been a long time since we all slept in the same room. How about we sleep here looking at the stars?" said Kishan's mother.

The children were very happy.

Chetana wanted to see through the telescope first. Kishan's father asked her to look through the lens. Chetana was amazed at what she saw, she could clearly see the craters on the moon, and she saw planets up close. Then Kishan had a look. He was thrilled at the sight of the beauties in space. They all spent some time exploring the sky and later sat down on the bed.

Kishan's father said, "This is a good telescope but there are more powerful ones. With them one can see objects that are millions of light years away. There are so many galaxies, so many stars, none knows how many."

Chetana asked, "Are there aliens there Dad?"

Kishan's father laughed and said, "Maybe, it would be unwise of us to think that earth is the only planet with living beings. There are millions of galaxies, there might be many planets with living beings."

Kishan said, "How did God create this Dad?"

Kishan's father said, "Well, that is his power. Do you know that Lord Krishna says that all the beautiful mountains, the rivers, the trees, planets, stars, galaxies and everything is just a small portion of him? He makes all this with very little effort. He is like a super painter, a great artist, who makes great pieces of art but as the artist is much more than his painting righ Lord is much more than all these."

****

# Chapter 85. Serve mankind to understand God

_Shloka_ 11.54

bhaktya tv ananyaya sakya

aham evam vidho 'rjuna

jnatum drastum ca tattvena

pravestum ca parantapa

My dear Arjuna, only by undivided devotional service can I be understood as I am, standing before you, and can thus be seen directly. Only in this way can you enter into the mysteries of My understanding.

It was their wedding anniversary. Kishan's father had planned to visit a temple and later visit Guruji at the Ashram. Kishan's family left home early in the morning around 5am and drove to the temple. They reached the temple and climbed the temple stairs. Kishan's parents offered flowers and fruits and they took the Prasadam and came down. All of them sat on the stairs and ate the Prasadam. Kishan's father asked Kishan to sit beside him. Chetana was already sitting next to her father. Kishan's father said, "I want to tell you both about this temple today. How did you like it?" Kishan said, "It is very beautiful dad, it is spacious and calm."

Kishan's father said, "Yes. This temple was built by a great devotee of Lord Krishna. His name was Adishesha. He was an old man, must have been in his 70s. He passed away recently, but he had built many temples all over the world before he died! He started this at the age of 50 when he retired from his job. They say that Lord Krishna appeared in his dream and asked him to travel all over the world teaching everybody The Bhagavad Gita. From that day onwards he travelled all over the world and taught many people Bhagavad Gita. He took help of his students and built many temples all over the world. Can you image? He was not rich, he did not have much power and yet he was able to achieve something so great just by teaching Bhagavad Gita and singing about Krishna. I want you to understand that nothing is impossible if you have faith in Krishna and if you do his work. If you help people and if you serve people, he will give you all his power. You will be able to do anything."

They ate their prasadams and left for the Ashram.

****

# Chapter 86. Reaching God is the ultimate goal

_Shloka_ 11.55

mat karma krn mat paramo

mad bhaktah sanga varjitah

nirvairah sarva bhutesu

yah sa mam eti pandava

My dear Arjuna, he who engages in My pure devotional service, free from the contaminations of fruitive activities and mental speculation, he who works for Me, who makes Me the supreme goal of his life, and who is friendly to every living being he certainly comes to Me.

After visiting the temple on their wedding anniversary, Kishan's dad drove them to visit Guruji at his Ashram. They reached the Ashram early before the morning session and went to see Guruji in his room. They took Guruji's blessing and Kishan's father said, "Come now children, we will wait outside"

Guruji said, "I was just stepping out to go on my rounds, would you like to join?"

The children wanted to go with Guruji so Kishan's parents told them that they would wait near the temple. Kishan and Chetana went along with Guruji on his morning rounds.

Kishan told Guruji about their visit to the temple that morning and about what they learnt from Mr Adishesha. Guruji listened and nodded.

Kishan then said, "If only there were more people like him Guruji."

Guruji said, "It's very difficult my boy. It's difficult for people to give their lives to God. They will give money, they will give clothes, they will offer flowers and fruits, but to dedicate their entire life to serve God is very difficult. This Ashram is a beautiful place and I teach people how to become peaceful. True?"Kishan and Chetana said, "True Guruji!"

Guruji continued, "Yet you see very few people here, why? The people who are here have dedicated their life to God, their only goal is God. Other people have many goals, money, name, fame, cars etc. only when your most important goal is God will you start walking towards him. If your goal is to become a state level tennis player you will attend coaching classes. Similarly when one wishes to reach God they come to such places but there are very few people like that. What is your goal little girl?"

Chetana said, "To reach God!"Guruji laughed and said, "Are you saying that because of what I said?"

Chetana laughed and said, "No Guruji, I want to see God."

"He wants to see you, he wants to see you grow up, study well, be happy and help a lot of people, will you do that for him?" asked Guruji. "Yes Guruji" said Chetana.

****

# Chapter 87. Meditate on Guru's form

Shloka 12.5

kleso 'dhikataras tesam

avyaktasakta cetasam

avyakta hi gatir duhkham

dehavadbhir avapyate

For those whose minds are attached to the unmanifested, impersonal feature of the Supreme, advancement is very troublesome. To make progress in that discipline is always difficult for those who are embodied.

Kishan's parents saw Kishan excel in everything that he did. He was doing very well at school. He was being a great brother to Chetana and helping her in various ways. His friends loved him too. Kishan would meditate daily, but reading Grandpa's book brought him most joy. Whenever he would read about Sadguruji he would think about his Guruji and close his eyes to see his Guruji's image in his mind.

Little did Kishan know that he was practicing the greatest meditation technique. He was unknowingly meditating on his Guru. Thinking about his Guru became meditation for him.

One day, Kishan and Nishanth were walking back from school. Nishanth had told his father that he would go to Kishan's house directly from school as they had to do a group project. On the way back home they stopped at a small shop to buy some chocolates to eat on the way. They bought the chocolate and turned around to see a poor old lady looking at them. She stretched out her weak hands and asked them to give her some money. Kishan had spent everything that he had for the chocolates. Nishanth had some money and he gave it to her. Kishan felt that it wouldn't be enough for her. He asked her to wait and he turned back to the shop keeper and said, "Uncle, can you please take these back and give me money, I want to give it to this old lady."

The shopkeeper was touched. He took back the chocolates and gave Kishan his money. Kishan then gave the old lady all the money. He still felt that it was not enough. He could see the old lady's hunger and pain on her face. He was almost in tears looking at her. He asked her to wait there. He said he would bring more money.

Kishan and Nishanth ran home. They reached home and Kishan ran up to his room to get his savings box. Whenever his father would give him money, if he won some cash prize or when some relatives would give money he would put it in this box. Kishan took the box and ran back with Nishanth to where the old lady was. When they reached there, the old lady was not there anymore. He asked the shopkeeper about her. The shopkeeper said that he did not notice her leave as there were customers. Kishan and Nishanth decide to search for her thinking that she could not have gone far as she was old. They ran to the end of the street and then to the other street. They finally found her in the other street and they ran to her. Kishan went up to her and gave her the money.

Nishanth said, "We asked you to wait, why didn't you wait for us?"

The old lady smiled, she did not say anything. Kishan said, "May be she can't talk."

Kishan felt light now. He knew that there was enough money in that box to help the old lady. The boys were tired from all the running so they walked back home slowly.

Nishanth asked, "How did you know she wanted more money?"

Kishan said, "I don't know but what can she buy with a few coins if she needs to eat. I saw Guruji's face in her, I felt as if he was begging in front of me, it was so painful. I wish I could do more for her. I wish I could help everybody in this world, but I can't."

Kishan's meditation on his Guru had resulted in great purification of his hert. His heart had expanded. He could understand the troubles of others and he had the will to help. His Guru watched over him day and night.

****

# Chapter 88. Fix your mind on God

Shloka 12.8

mayy eva mana adhatsva

mayi buddhim nivesaya

nivasisyasi mayy eva

ata urdhvam na samsayah

Just fix your mind upon Me, and engage all your intelligence in Me. Thus you will live in Me always, without a doubt.

Kishan had a good collection of comic books. His father had bought him many comics on Saints of India. Kishan was reading a comic book on Sri RamaKrishna Parmahamsa, a great Sadguru from Bengal. Kishan was captivated by Sri RamaKrishna's life. As he was reading Sri RamaKrishna's life story, Kishan experienced so many emotions. He felt great joy; he had tears in his eyes. He closed his eyes and saw his Guru; he started missing Guruji a lot. That night Kishan went to bed thinking about Sri RamaKrishna.

In his dreams Kishan saw himself in a temple, it was a temple of Mother Kali, and in front of the idol of Kali he saw a man wearing a white dothi. This man was in deep meditation. Kishan recognized him as Sri RamaKrishna. He went near him and sat in front of him. Sri RamaKrishna opened his eyes and asked, "Child why have you come here?"

Kishan asked, "What is happening to me Guruji, am I mad?"

RamKrishna said with a faint smile, "Child, everyone in this world are mad, some are mad for money, some are mad for power, you are mad for God. Nothing is wrong with you. The same thing happened to me. I would cry thinking about Mother Kali. You cry thinking about you Guru. It is because of love. It is very hard for people to cry out of love. You are very blessed that you are able to cry. I am happy you have come here. Here take this", Sri RamaKrishna handed a basket full of flowers to Kishan.

"You have come to Mother Kali's house, offer these to her and seek her blessings", said RamaKrishna.

Kishan offered flowers to Mother Kali. He then prostrated at the feet of Sri RamaKrishna. The next morning when Kishan woke up he realized that it was a dream but he could recollect every single detail. It was very clear in his memory as if it had really happened. He thought to himself that he will tell about this dream to Guruji when he meets him next. Kishan got down from his bed and when he was folding the blanket he found a flower underneath it. The same flower from his dream. He held the flower and bowed down with respect as it was a blessing from Sri RamaKrishna. He took the flower downstairs and went into the Pooja room. There was a small photo of Mother Kali in the Pooja room which he had never noticed before. He placed the flower there and bowed down.

Kishan's mother walked in from behind and said, "Good morning Kishan."

Kishan looked at her and said "Good morning mum, today is going to be a wonderful day."

****

# Chapter 89. Bhakti is Mukti

Shloka 12.9

atha cittam samadhatum

na saknosi mayi sthiram

abhyasa yogena tato

mam icchaptum dhananjaya

My dear Arjuna, if you cannot fix your mind upon Me without deviation, then follow the regulative principles of bhakti yoga. In this way develop a desire to attain Me

The Ashram was lit up with bright lights and decorated with colorful flowers and people dressed in their best clothes. It was a special day, Guruji had invited his old student Premaji to come and give a discourse at the Ashram. A couple of years ago Guruji had asked her to travel the world and teach the Bhagavatam. Premaji was now famous worldwide for her beautiful rendition of the Bhagavatam.

Kishan saw the banner outside the Ashram and told his father, "Dad, there is a mistake in the banner, they have spelt Bhagavad wrong and they have forgotten Gita."

Kishan's father looked at the banner and laughed. He then said, "The banner is alright. It says, talk on the Bhagavatam. Bhagvatam is another great book like the Gita. Gita is Krishna's teaching while Bhagavatam is all about Krishna, it was written by Vedavyasa Maharshi to glorify Lord Krishna. They say that if you want to know about Bhakti, then you must read the Bhagavatam. It has many stories of great devotees."

Kishan was now very interested to listen to the talk.

Everybody gathered in the main hall and waited for Premaji and Guruji to arrive. After a short while Premaji and Guruji walked into the main hall. Premaji prostrated to Guruji's feet in front of the audience and then Guruji took his seat. The students had arranged for Premaji to sit on a stage. Premaji sat on the chair and bowed down to the Bhagavatam that was on the table in front of her.

Premaji started the session with Om and then chanted the following Sholka:

Sravanam Keertanam Vishnoho

Smaranam Padasevanam

Archanam Vandanam Dasyam

Sakhyam Aatma Nivedanam

The audience repeated after her. She sat silently for a while and then opened her eyes and said, "If I had to tell you the summary of the Bhagavatam in one line I would say 'bhakti is mukti'. Then you would ask me what is 'Bhakti', and the answer is this Shloka that we chanted.

You can love God in 9 ways it is called Nava vidha bhakti, 9 forms of devotion. First one is Sravanam, you can listen about him, listen to his stories, listen to his songs, listen and love. Second is Keertanam, you can sing about him, sing his glories, sing about his beauty, about his wisdom, and sing about everything about him, sing and love. Third is Smaranam, you can think about him, not just thinking as you think about something else, think with feeling, think about his teachings, think about his strength, about his compassion, think and love. Fourth is Padasevanam, you can do serve to his feet, you will now ask me where is his feet? His feet is this whole world, the feet of the poor is his feet, the feet of the orphans is his feet, so serve and love. Fifth is Archanam, repeating his name. We have so many words in our mind, remove all those words by uttering the name of God, that moment you are happy, so chant and love. Next, sixth is Vandanam, to show gratitude. All our life is spent in complaining to God that I don't have this I don't have that, instead show gratitude, start thanking him for every single thing then you will feel blessed, so thank and love. Seventh is Dasyam, have a feeling that God is your master, serve him like Hanuman. You are the servant of God, and keep God or Guru in your heart and do your work as if it's for them, so offer and love. Eight is Sakhyam, see God as your friend. Make Krishna your friend he is everybody's friend. Are we scared of our friends? No, then why are you so afraid of God? He is your friend, just like he was a friend to Sudama and Arjuna. He helped them he will help you too when you are his friend. It is friendship and love. Finally, the ninth is Atmanivedanam. My favorite, think of God as the Atma inside you, know that he is inside you as Atma. If he is not inside you then you are dead, so know and love."

The audience was listening. Kishan was very happy listening to this. He wanted to start loving his Guru in every single way.

Premaji continued, "Let us now start the Bhagavatam."

Premaji started her discourse on the Bhagavatam, it was very beautiful. Kishan had never heard anybody tell Krishna's stories so beautifully. He liked Premaji a lot. Nobody was aware of time. All of them travelled in their imagination to the land of Krishna. She brought tears in many people's eyes, she inspired many people and she made them laugh too.

****

# Chapter 90. Practice makes Perfect

_Shloka_ 12.10

abhyase 'py asamartho 'si

mat karma paramo bhava

mad artham api karmani

kurvan siddhim avapsyasi

If you cannot practice the regulations of _Bhakti Yoga_ , then just try to work for Me, because by working for Me you will come to the perfect stage.

After the talk on Bhagavatam by Premaji, Kishan was very excited to meet her. They waited until everybody left and then Guruji invited them to his room where they could talk to Premaji for a while.

Guruji and Premaji were sitting on the chair, Kishan walked in with his family. He went straight to Premaji and prostrated at her feet. He then turned to Guruji and prostrated at his feet.

Guruji said, "Prema, this is my new student Kishan."

Premaji said, "Is it? Nice. Come here my boy."

Kishan stood beside Premaji. Chetana took their blessing and she stood beside Guruji. Kishan's parents sat down in front of them. Premaji said, "What a devoted family."

She asked Kishan and Chetana their names and the children answered. She then asked Kishan, "How was the talk today? Did you understand? Did you like it?"

Kishan said, "I loved it! I love the Bhagavatam now! I have asked my father to buy me the book. I will start reading it."

Premaji and Guruji laughed. Guruji asked, "Won't you read the Bhagavad Gita anymore?"

Kishan said, "I'll read both Guruji."

Guruji smiled and said, "Good, we need both of them. From Bhagavad Gita we get wisdom, from Bhagavatam we get devotion. Both Jnana and Bhakti required, you should know God and you should have great devotion towards him."

Premaji said, "I am very happy for all of you that you are here with Guruji. With his blessing and his grace you will get both wisdom and devotion. Children, do you know the secret? Do you know how to get his grace?"

Chetana said, "We just have to come here to the Ashram."

Everybody laughed. Premaji said, "Guruji, you have already taught them so much."

****

# Chapter 91. God is the father of all

Shloka 14.4

sarva yonisu kaunteya

murtayah sambhavanti yah

tasam brahma mahad yonir

aham bija pradah pita

It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kunti, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed giving father.

An NGO visited Kishan's school to conduct a workshop and bring awareness among children about Global Warming. In the workshop, the NGO workers showed the children many videos of how man is destroying nature and what effect it is having on the planet. The NGO workers told about how the plants and trees help in arresting Global Warming. At the end of the workshop each child was given a small plant and a few seeds. The plant was for them to grow at home and the seeds were for them to sow wherever they could.

Kishan and Chetana returned home with a plant each. They wanted to sow the seeds in the Ashram garden when they would go there the next time. Chetana told her mother about her day. Her mother asked her, "What will you do with the seeds Chetana?"

"We decided to sow them in the Ashram mum, when we go there next week" said Chetana.

Kishan sat on the couch seeing the seed in his hand.

"Why are you looking at it like that?" Kishan's mother asked.

"Mum, isn't it amazing that from this small seed a big tree will come out?" said Kishan.

Kishan's mother smiled and said, "Yes, that's the beauty of nature."

Kishan said, "There is nothing inside this Mum, some of my friends in class broke open one of these seeds to see what was inside. There was nothing but a small green ball. From that tiny thing a huge tree will grow."

Kishan's mother said, "That's how nature works Kishan, you were also a tiny baby now you are the tallest in your class."

Kishan smiled and said, "Yeah Mum. I'll plant these seeds, but I don't know if I'll be able to take care of it."

Kishan's mother said, "God is the father of all living beings, you sow the seed and do your best, he will take care of the rest. There are so many animals in the forests all over the world, who do you think takes care of them. There are so many orphans in the world. Lord will take care of his children in some way, he knows what to do."

Kishan said, "Yes Mum, in fact no one is an orphan in this world, everybody has God"

Kishan's mother hugged him and said, "If only they knew it."

****

# Chapter 92. Rising above the Gunas

_Shloka_ 14.26

mam ca yo 'vyabhicarena

bhakti yogena sevate

sa gunan samatityaitan

brahma bhuyaya kalpate

One who engages in full devotional service, unfailing in all circumstances, at once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of _Paramatma_ (God).

Kishan had almost come to the end of Grandapa Hari's book. There were just a few more chapters left. The next chapter was titled "Death of I". Kishan wondered what it meant. He wanted to find out and he started reading the chapter.

Grandpa Hari had written about the time when Grandma Lakshmi passed away. Their son Surya was married and was staying in the US. Surya uncle immediately flew down to India. After all the rituals were performed, he stayed with his father for somedays and asked him to come and stay with them in the US. Grandpa Hari was in grief, he could not bear the loss of his wife and he wanted to be with Guruji. He told his son to go back to the US and he went to see his Sadguru.

Sadguru was very old now, Anand had grown up. He had not married as he dedicated his life to taking care of Guruji. Grandpa reached Sadguru's place and told him that Grandma has passed away. Sadguru consoled Grandpa and said, she was liberated, that she had merged with God, and that there was no reason to feel sad about it.

Grandpa stayed with Guruji for a few days. Guruji's health was quite bad. Guruji said to Grandpa, "You have come at a good time Hari, I will be leaving this body soon, my days are coming to an end."

Grandpa started crying, he felt helpless, he had just lost his wife now his Guru was saying that he will be no more. Grandpa begged him to stay a little longer.

"Hari, why are you so attached to my body, I am not this body, and I cannot die, you know that", said Guruji.

Grandpa Hari understood what Guruji meant and he said, "Yes Guruji but if you go then there is no hope for me."

Guruji smiled and said, "What do you want?"

Grandpa Hari said, "I want to realize God, I want to become one with you."

Guruji knew that it was time for Grandpa's enlightenment, so he asked him to close his eyes. Guruji kept his hand on Grandpa's head and for a long time they were still.

When Grandpa opened his eyes, he was free. He was no longer suffering. He had realized God; he had become one with his Guru. His face was radiant and he was deeply peaceful.

Guruji said, "You are now above the lower nature of Satva, Rajas and Tamas. You are one with me. There is no 'you' it is me who is in you"

Grandpa said, "Yes, there is no 'I' there is only Guru."

After reading this, Kishan understood why Grandpa had titled the chapter 'death of I'. Grandpa had merged into Guruji. He attained enlightenment that night.

****

# Chapter 93. One gains infinite bliss after realizing God

_Shloka_ 14.27

brahmano hi pratisthaham

amrtasyavyayasya ca

sasvatasya ca dharmasya

sukhasyaikantikasya ca

I am the basis of the impersonal _Paramatma_ (God), which is immortal, imperishable and eternal and is the constitutional position of ultimate happiness.

Kishan and his family had invited Grandpa Hari to come online for a video chat on the weekend. Grandpa Hari joined them on the video chat.

Grandpa Hari said, "It is so good to see you all, Chetana, have you grown taller?"

Kishan's father said, "Yes, she has" and smiled.

Chetana asked, "How are you Grandpa?"

"I am good, it is very cold here now, but I'm fine. How are you? How is my Kishan?"

Kishan and Chetana told him that they are doing well.

Kishan said, "Grandpa I am almost done reading your book."

Grandpa said, "That's good, how are you finding it now?"

"I just read that part where you die", Kishan smiled.

Grandpa laughed and said, "Oh Yes!"

Chetana was confused; she did not understand what they were talking about. Kishan's father understood that Kishan had to speak to Grandpa so he asked Kishan to talk to Grandpa first and then call them when he was done. The others went out of the room.

Kishan asked Grandpa, "You are Enlightened Grandpa. I wish you were here, I wish I could prostrate at your feet."

Grandpa laughed and said, "Enlightenment is the grace of Guru. Once the grace falls on you, you will never be the same, you will never suffer. You will actually laugh a lot, you will laugh at your problems and you will cry for others. Now we laugh at others and cry for ourselves."

Kishan smiled and said, "Right Grandpa. How does it feel?"

Grandpa laughed again and said, "There are no words to explain it, you have to see it for yourself. When you become one with God, you will feel him entirely. All I can say is that you will be in eternal bliss, ever happy, never disturbed."

Kishan repeated, "Ever happy never disturbed. I like that."

Grandpa said, "We'll talk about this another time Kishan, maybe after you finish reading the book. By the looks of it I think we will be talking soon. Now please call your father I have to talk to him about something."

Kishan went and called his father. His father spoke to Grandpa Hari and Kishan went downstairs.

****

# Chapter 94. Drop everything

Shloka 15.5

nirmana mohajita sanga dosa

adhyatma nitya vinivrtta kamah

dvandvair vimuktah sukha duhkha samjnair

gacchanty amudhah padam avyayam tat

Those who are free from false prestige, illusion and false association, who understand the eternal, who are done with material lust, who are freed from the dualities of happiness and distress, and who, unbewildered, know how to surrender unto the Supreme Person attain to that eternal kingdom.

The Ashram had organized a special program for the residents of the nearby old age home. Many elderly people from the old age home were present to listen to Guruji's talk. Invitations to the program were sent to the donors, and many industrialists Kishan and his family were there one day before the program to help make necessary arrangements.

Kishan wanted to talk to Guruji but Guruji was quite busy with many people. Kishan then thought he would help out the volunteers and meet Guruji in the evening after the evening session.

During the evening session Guruji addressed all the volunteers and said, "Tomorrow is a special day, it is a day were we will get to bring a smile on many faces. The chief guests tomorrow are not the rich people but the elderly people of the old age home. They are old, some are sick; many have lost their loved ones. Some are there because no one will take care of them. We have been given an opportunity to bring a smile on their face and some peace to their hearts. Treat them as your parents treat them as your Grandparents."

Guruji went silent for some time, he closed his eyes and went into meditation. Everybody in the hall sat in meditation. After a while Guruji opened his eyes and asked one of his students to chant the Shloka for the day.

The student chanted the above Shloka and the audience repeated.

Guruji said, "There is an old man in the old age home, you will probably meet him tomorrow but I'll tell you a story about him now. He had some land a long time ago and he had a son. His wife was dead so it was just the two of them. They had one cow; he would milk it and make some money from the milk. One day his cow went missing, and all the neighbors came to know. They started panicking saying someone is stealing our cows. This old man was calm he said don't worry. Later that evening the cow returned on its own. The neighbors came to see the old man and congratulated him. Again, he was calm. After a few days, his son hurt his leg while doing some work, all the neighbors gathered and said that the worst thing has happen and the old man said don't worry. One day the cops came to take young men to help catch some dangerous robbers; they saw that this man's son was injured so they left him. Again, all the neighbors gathered at his house and congratulated him. The old man was calm."

After some pause Guruji continued, "This old man is the meaning of this Shloka. Can you be calm like him in all circumstances? If you can be then you are closer to God. One who is not disturbed by anything, such a man is pure and he is close to God. Lord Krishna says, drop all your negatives, drop all fear, and be happy. Learn to be happy in any situation."

Kishan had read something similar in Grandpa's book. He understood what Guruji was explaining. He was eager to meet this old man the next day.

****

# Chapter 95. God is the light of all lights

Shloka 15.6

na tad bhasayate suryo

na sasanko na pavakah

yad gatva na nivartante

tad dhama paramam mama

That supreme abode of Mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor by fire. Those who reach it never return to this material world.

The program at the Ashram had started, many had gathered to help the residents of the old age home. Kishan was trying to figure out who that old man was, whose story Guruji said in last evening's session. Kishan when walking through the crowd handing out a fruit juice laid his eyes upon an old man who was calm and tranquil. This man was by himself in the corner observing everyone; he had a faint smile on his face. Kishan walked towards him and asked him if he wanted some juice, the old man said, "No thank you son."

Kishan wanted to know if this was the old man so he spilt some juice on him, and tried to make it look like an accident. The old man smiled and said, "It ok my boy, don't worry, these things happen."

Kishan was now sure that this was the man. He helped him clean his shirt and said, "I am sorry sir, I just wanted to know if you were the one Guruji was talking about yesterday."

The old man did not understand, "What was Guruji talking about?" he asked.

Kishan said, "Guruji told us your story, he said that you were the meaning to one of the Shlokas in the Gita, he said that you are always happy in all situations."

The old man laughed and said, "Well, you could have just asked me. What if I wasn't the one, what if you had spilt the juice on someone else, you would have been in trouble right?"

Kishan smiled and said, "No, I had a feeling that it was you, I just wanted to make sure."

The old man laughed and said, "What's your name kid?"

"I'm Kishan sir, I am Guruji's student", said Kishan.

"You definitely are Guruji's student; you seem like a very smart kid. Why did you want to find me?" asked the old man.

Kishan replied, "I just wanted to see you Sir, I have a Grandpa who lives in the US, he is also like you, very calm. He has written a book which I'm reading now and in that he says that if we ever get a chance to meet someone great we should not lose that opportunity and we should learn as much as we can from them."

The old man smiled and said, "Well, your Grandpa sounds like a very wise man."

Kishan said, "He is Sir."

Kishan and the old man sat together throughout the program, talking and laughing.

When Guruji passed by them he said, "I can't make out who is old and who is young."

An hour before lunch there was a power cut all the lights went off. The old man asked Kishan, "Are you afraid of the dark Kishan?"

Kishan said, "It's not dark sir, there is sunlight."

The old man said, "At night, are you afraid?"

Kishan said, "No. whenever I close my eyes I can see Guruji, I can see his bright face, it's like the sun is always with me."

The old man was silent for some time. He got to know that Kishan is no ordinary child. He then said, "Do you know that people who have seen God tell that God shines like a thousand suns?"

Kishan said, "Yes I have heard some people say that."

"My question is, if he shines like a thousand suns how can they see him? They should go blind", they both laughed aloud.

Listening to them laugh a few people gathered around them to join the conversation.

"What are you talking about?" asked a stranger.

The old man looked at Kishan and then turned to the strangers and said, "I was telling this kid about the vision of God. Some people say that God shines like a thousand suns. If he does, then how can anyone see him!" all of them laughed.

The old man continued, "Anyway, jokes apart, what it really means is that God is the light of all lights. If you need to see something in darkness you need light. You need a lamp or torch or sunlight or moonlight, some light, to see something in the dark. But no light can show you God, because God is the one who give power to all these lights. That is why he is called light of all lights. Did you understand kid?"

Kishan smiled and said, "Yes sir."

Kishan was glad to have met the old man.

****

# Chapter 96. Everyone is a part of God

Shloka 15.7

mamaivamso jiva loke

jiva bhutah sanatanah

manah sasthanindriyani

prakrti sthani karsati

The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind.

The festival of Lord Ganesha was coming up next week. It was a custom in Kishan's house that each year the children sit down with clay and make an idol of Lord Ganesha and Mother Gowri themselves. Each year the children enjoyed making the clay idols. This year, Nishanth would join them and make 2 idols to worship in his house. A few days before the festival the children and Kishan's father sat in the Verandah to make the idols. Kishan's father had brought 20 kilos of clay. Kishan spread out old news papers on the floor and they started. Kishan's father handed out a few chunks of clay to Kishan Nishanth and Chetana. Kishan and Nishanth would make a Ganesha idol and Chetana was to make Mother Gowri's idol.

Kishan father said, "Chetana why don't you sing a Bhajan as we work, a Bhajan on Ganesha, that's how we should work, singing Bhajans and offering everything to The Lord."

Chetana sang a beautiful Bhajan. Kishan's father was helping the children get the basic shape and proportions. The children did the details by themselves.

Kishan's father asked Nishanth, "Nishanth, do you know the story of Lord Ganesha?"

"Yes uncle, the story where Mother Parvati makes a boy out of mud and she asks him to guard the door right?" said Nishanth.

"Correct, do you know the meaning of the story?" asked Kishan's father.

The children said that they didn't know the meaning.

Kishan's father explained, "Every story from the Puranas has a deep spiritual meaning. At that time they did not have voice recorders or computers to store and share information so they created these stories so that each generation would know the stories, they also hid the meaning within the stories. Sadly, now everyone knows the story but they don't know the meaning. Mother Parvati is Mother Nature, she makes mud doll. We are all made of mud; the food that helps this body grow comes from the earth. We are the mud dolls and we see nature, we see the world and we go after it. When Shiva comes Ganesha does not recognize him as father. Similarly when God comes in the form of Guru we don't recognize him, we think he is a normal human being. Then Shiva cuts off the head of Ganesha and replaces with a new head. In the same way Guru cuts off all our negative qualities and replaces them with good thoughts and thoughts of God and service. Ganesha's head represents a more intelligent head, sharp eyes, and big ears. That means we will be more sharp and alert. Do you understand that the story of Ganesha is actually your story?"

Nishanth replied, "Yes uncle, wow, I didn't know it had a meaning."

Kishan's father continued, "Yes, that is why we celebrate all these festivals to remember the meaning and implement it. They asked us to keep these clay idols so that we learn the God is like clay and we are all dolls made of clay. If one doll looks like an apple, another doll like an elephant another like a man, then it's only a modification of clay, ultimately all are clay. That means we are all part of God, we have different shapes. Do you understand Chetana?"

Chetana said, "Yes Dad, we are all like clay dolls and we are part of God."

Kishan's father said, "Very good, come ill help you make the eyes of Mother Gowri"

They continued to sculpt their idols.

****

# Chapter 97. Guru understands all scriptures

_Shloka_ 15.15

sarvasya caham hrdi sannivisto

mattah smrtirjnanam apohanam ca

vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyo

vedanta krd veda vid eva caham

I am seated in everyone's heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas, I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of Vedanta, and I am the knower of the Vedas.

Kishan's family had invited Guruji home, they did not know if he would come or not but Kishan insisted that his father invite Guruji. When Kishan's father invited Guruji, Guruji asked, "What will I come there and do?"

Kishan who was standing by his father's side said, "Guruji you can come on Thursday evening, dad takes Bhagavad Gita class for many of us, you can take the class this week."

Guruji smiled and agreed to visit them on Thursday.

On Thursday morning Kishan woke up very early to help his mother clean the house. He had to leave home by 7:30 am for school. He wanted to do as much as possible before that. In the evening when the children came back from school they quickly got dressed for the class and waited for Guruji's arrival. Kishan's father had gone to the Ashram to pick up Guruji in his car. They reached home at 6:00pm. Kishan's mother had arranged for Guruji's Padapooja. They had Guruji sit on the decorated chair, asked him to place his feet on the Pooja tray performed Padapooja. All the children of the class offered flowers at Guruji's feet.

Guruji started the class with a question. "Who sang the Gita?" he asked.

The children said, "Krishna!"

Guruji then asked, "What is The Bhagavad Gita?"

One child said that it was the song of Krishna; another said it was Krishna's teaching to Arjuna. Another said it was a holy book.

Guruji said, "All are correct answers. Bhagavad Gita is the song of Krishna. Bhagavad Gita is a holy book. In India we have many holy books, The Vedas, Upanishads, Brahma sutras etc. First were the Vedas, and Upanishands which are the last parts of Vedas. Bhagavad Gita is the essence of Upanishads. It's like the Vedas and Upanishads are like a cow, and the Bhagavad Gita is the milk. Krishna milks the cow and gives you the milk so you can drink it easily. Otherwise you have to get the cow, take care of it, feed it, clean it, then milk it, and get kicked a few times."

The children laughed.

Guruji continued, "Krishna knows everything, from him the Vedas came, from him the Upanishads came and from him the Bhagavad Gita came. He knows all of them, but Bhagavad Gita is the easiest to understand."

Nishanth asked Guruji, "Do you know everything Guruji? Do you know the Vedas?"

Guruji laughed and said, "One who knows the source of the Vedas knows everything. I know Krishna my boy. Yes I know the meaning of all the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita."

Guruji then asked the children to chant a few Shlokas that they had learnt and then continued the class.

****

# Chapter 98. To know God is to know everything

_Shloka_ 15.19

yo mam evam asammudho

janati purusottamam

sa sarva vid bhajati mam

sarva bhavena bharata

Whoever knows me without doubting, is the knower of everything. He therefore engages himself in full devotional service to me, O son of Bharata

Kishan went along with his father to drop Guruji back to the Ashram. The children had enjoyed Guruji's Bhagavad Gita class, they were laughing throughout the class. Kishan understood many new things.

Guruji asked Kishan in the car, "How was today's class Kishan?"

Kishan smiled and said, "All your classes are very good Guruji."

"What did you understand?" asked Guruji.

"I understood that you know everything!" said Kishan.

Guruji laughed. Guruji said, "Long ago a student went to a Sadguru and he asked him a question, he asked 'master, what is that, by know which I will know everything?'. This was his question. Now we need to think, is there really something like that, by knowing which you get to know everything?"

Kishan answered, "Yes, God."

Guruji said, "By knowing God will you know who to build a rocket?"

Kishan went silent, he was thinking.

Guruji continued, "By knowing God your mind will become very pure, you will be able to understand anything easily. People have to work hard and study hard because there is so much on their mind. Once you know God, you will have need any revision, all you have to do is read once or listen once and it will be stored in your mind because your mind will become very calm and silent."

****

# Chapter 99. Qualities of the Divine

_Shloka_ 18.42

samo damas tapah saucam

ksantir arjavam eva ca

jnanam vijnanam astikyam

brahma karma svabhava jam

Peacefulness, self control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and righteousness these are the natural qualities by which the _Jnanis_ work.

When Kishan and his father had gone to drop Guruji at the Ashram, Guruji had given Kishan a DVD to watch. Guruji had asked Kishan to watch the movie without fail; it was a movie on the life of a great Sadguru. Kishan's father had told Kishan that they all can watch it in the next class with the other children.

The movie was on the life of Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest Gurus of India. Adi shankaracharya was believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Kishan could not wait to watch the movie, meanwhile he read as much as he could about Adi Shankaracharya, he found that he had a comic book on him too.

On Thursday evening, Kishan's father told the children that he would not talk about The Gita but they would spend time watching the movie. He played the movie on the big TV in the hall. The children were engrossed in the movie. Kishan travelled in his mind to the time and place of Adi Shankaracharya. He felt as if he knew Shankaracharya. He was very impressed with his personality, his calmness and his wisdom.

After the class Kishan's father asked Kishan, "How was the movie Kishan?"

Kishan said, "This is the best movie I have seen till today. I want to watch it again."

Kishan's father smiled and said, "Really? What did you like so much about it? I thought you would be bored."

Kishan said, "No Dad. I love Adi Shankaracharya, he is somewhat like Guruji. He is also like Lord Rama and he seems like Krishna at other times."

Kishan's father laughed and said, "You are right, he is an enlightened master so he has all the qualities. You see all these masters are always peaceful, calm, they are pure at heart, they are honest and most importantly they have great wisdom which they share. That is why people go searching for them. Just like how bees go in search of flowers for nectar, in the same way people who are suffering will go in search of such masters. These masters are very attractive. Buddha had thousands of students; wherever he would go a huge crowd would follow him."

Kishan said, "I want to have all those qualities Dad. I want to help a lot of people."

Kishan's father said, "You already have so many qualities my boy, you are kind, you are simple, you are caring, honest and most importantly you have wisdom. At this age, you are doing great. You are like the young Adi Shankara!"

Kishan's father hugged Kishan.

****

# Chapter 100. Attain the Higher state

_Shloka_ 18.54

brahma bhutah prasannatma

na socati na kanksati

samah sarvesu bhutesu

mad bhaktim labhate param

One who has attained the higher state becomes fully joyful. He never laments or desires to have anything. He is equally disposed toward every living entity. In that state he attains pure devotional service unto Me.

After watching the movie on Adi Shankaracharya, that night Kishan has a wonderful dream. In the dream he found himself on top of a beautiful hill. Kishan could fell the fresh air enter his lungs. He saw mountains at a distance and a lake on one side. He knew he was waiting for someone there but he could not recollect whom he had to meet.

"It's beautiful isn't it", said a voice from behind.

When Kishan turned around he saw Adi Shankaracharya standing behind him smiling. Kishan smiled at him and went closer to take his blessings. He prostrated at Shakaracharya's feet.

They both sat down on a rock and Shankaracharya said, "It is so calm here. No noise no people. Many have come here and wished they would stay here, alone, far from everything, but it's not possible. In everyplace in the world there is this serenity, there is silence, even in the nosiest place. Do you know how?"

Kishan said, "No Guruji."

Shankaracharya explained, "If your mind is peaceful, you will find peace anywhere you go, if your mind is disturbed, you will be disturbed wherever you go. Now the question is how to be peaceful. This is your question right?"

Kishan said, "Yes Guruji."

Shankaracharaya smiled and said, "It is possible for everyone to attain a higher state, to evolve into much better beings. I spent my entire life trying to show people the way. My way is Advaita! Do you know what the word Advaita means? It means 'no two'. Kishan there is no a separate me and separate you. You and I are one. You and God are one. Always think like this, always think that you are one with God and try to live your life like a free man, like an enlightened being, this will happen as you learn more and more from your Guru. Kishan, everything will change for you. The purpose of your birth will reveal itself soon."

Kishan was silent. They both looked at the mountains and enjoyed the silence.

When Kishan woke up the next morning he immediately wrote down all that he could remember from his dream.

****

# Chapter 101. Complete awareness

_Shloka_ 18.55

bhaktya mam abhijanati

yavan yas casmi tattvatah

tato mam tattvato jnatva

visate tad anantaram

One can understand Me as I am, only by devotional service. When one is in full consciousness of Me by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God.

Kishan's school was hosting their annual sports competitions. The students could participate in a variety of games like, running race, tug of war, basketball, throw ball, table tennis, football etc., Kishan and Nishanth were both in the junior basketball team.

Nishanth had a basket outside his house. His dad had it installed by the garage so that the children could play. Kishan and Nishanth started to practice for the match. They would be playing against another junior team from their school which had won the match last year.

Nishanth said, "How did you lose last year Kishan?"

Kishan said, "It was because of me, our team was very good, but I fell sick on the day of the match and they lost."

Nishanth said, "Well, I won't happen this year, I'm here, you and Prajwal are in the team. We are all much taller than the others."

"You haven't seen those guys play dude, they are short but they are really fast and really good with three pointers" said Kishan.

Nishanth said, "Then we better practice, let's go, one on one until Prajwal and the others come."

Kishan and Nishanth started playing.

During the game Kishan found it very easy to shoot into the basket from a far distance. He was very accurate and he was able to do it all the time. Nishanth was amazed; he stopped Kishan and asked "Wow! How are you doing that dude?"

Kishan said, "I don't know, it's just happening, I just know what to do, and I know it will go straight into the basket. Everything becomes so silent when I'm about to shoot, it's like I can only see the basket, and it's as if the basket is alive."

Nishanth said, "Wow! We are definitely gonna win this time!"

They took a break for some time and the phone rang. Nishanth picked up the phone. It was Prajwal, he had called to tell that they will have to start practice from tomorrow as he had to go out with his family.

Nishanth said, "It's ok Prajwal, I'll see you tomorrow at school. Bye."

Kishan returned home and told his father about what happened at practice. His father was amazed at first and then he thought about it for a while in silence. Kishan's father opened his eyes and said, "I know how it happened Kishan. Your mind has become very pure and very silent because of meditation and you are able to focus your mind entirely on one object at one time. Without any distractions or thoughts you are able to achieve the impossible. If you think about it it's not surprising at all, you have become more aware of what you have to do. Your mind is clear. Do you feel that way?"

Kishan replied, "Maybe dad, I feel like, I mean, it's like I know I can do it, and I don't have any doubt about it. It just happens. I have no fear."

Kishan's father smiled and said, "Yes, this is called complete awareness Kishan. It is the state of great yogis. Because of your devotion to God and Guru, you have been blessed with such a gift."

Kishan's father kissed him on his forehead and said "Put it to good use son."

Kishan said, "I will dad."

****

# Chapter 102. Lost without Guru

_Shloka_ 18.58

mac cittah sarva durgani

mat prasadat tarisyasi

atha cet tvam ahankaran

na srosyasi vinanksyasi

If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditioned life by My grace. If, however, you do not work in such consciousness but act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.

Kishan was sitting in meditation. He was in the mini hall at the Ashram. A few minutes ago Guruji had left the room giving Kishan specific instructions for meditation. He had asked him to sit in meditation until he returned. Kishan diligently followed Guruji's instructions. There was not much light in the room, it was dusk. It was very quiet and Kishan was the only one in the mini hall. As he sat in meditation, he saw his mind dance. At first his mind was calm, with no thoughts apart from thoughts about Guruji and meditation, but slowly, as he tried to follow what Guruji has said he saw many images in his mind, he saw TV, he saw his house, he saw his parents, he saw his sister, he saw Grandpa Hari, he saw his school, he saw many memories from the past, it seemed endless, and suddenly he realized that his mind was jumping. He tried to become silent again but he could not stop the flood of thoughts. He then opened his eyes. Guruji had asked him not to open his eyes; Kishan opened his eyes as he could not meditate. This had never happened before, he thought, 'from where are all these coming? Why can't I meditate?'

He decided to try again, this time he started with a prayer in his mind 'Guruji, please bless me, please make my mind silent, please help me follow your instructions'.

As he said these words mentally, he saw an image of Guruji smiling in his mind. He knew that Guruji had blessed him now. He sat determined not to open his eyes or move from his place until Guruji came. After a few minutes it started to happen again, this time it was worse, he was getting very bad thoughts, thoughts of anger and hate, thoughts of fear and doubt, but for some reason he was able to watch them, as if it was someone else's thoughts, he said 'my thought is only about Guruji, others are not mine'. In this way, keeping his mind on the mental image of Guruji he watched all the thoughts. After some time, his mind was calm again. There was only Guruji in his mind.

It had been an hour since Guruji had left the room. Guruji came into the room and sat on the chair. He asked Kishan to open his eyes. Kishan slowly opened his eyes.

Guruji smiled and asked, "How was it?"

Kishan said, "It was bad in the beginning Guruji then it was fine."

Guruji laughed and asked, "How did it become fine?"

Kishan said, "I thought about you, I prayed to you."

Guruji said, "Repeat this Shloka" and chanted the above Shloka. Kishan repeated after guruji.

Guruji explained, "You will be able to face anything in life if you think about God or Guru. People are lost without a Guru. A Guru is very important because he is living God. You can see him, you can listen to him, you can touch him and you can learn better from him. Arjuna was able to overcome the disturbance of his mind because Krishna was in front of him, a living Guru!"

Kishan prostrated to Guruji's feet.

****

# Chapter 103. God is the operater

_Shloka_ 18.61

isvarah sarva bhutanam

hrd dese 'rjuna tisthati

bhramayan sarva bhutani

yantrarudhani mayaya

The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone's heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.

Kishan's family felt as if a little Krishna was staying in their house. They no longer saw Kishan the way they used to. The changes in him were so evident. Talking to him gave so much joy. He would always smile, speak words of wisdom, and when they saw him meditating it felt as if the whole world had gone quite. In The Bhagavad Gita class Kishan would keep his eyes closed most of the time. The other children would wonder what he was doing. To distract them Kishan's father would ask Kishan a few questions from time to time, Kishan would open his eyes, give the correct answer and close his eyes again. If his father would mention any Guru or master there would be tears in Kishan's eyes thinking about them.

On one Thursday morning, Kishan's father told him before he left to school that he would be late that evening and he asked Kishan to inform the other children that there would be no Bhagavad Gita class that day. Kishan agreed to inform them. At that moment Kishan's father got an idea, he told Kishan "Kishan, wait, don't tell them that. Tell them there will be class today."

Kishan asked, "You said you will be late?"

Kishan's father smiled and said, "Yes, but you will conduct the class today."

Kishan smiled and said, "Ok"

His father did not expect that he would agree so easily without any doubt or question. He went into the kitchen and told Kishan's mother about today's class and that Kishan would be conducting the class.

Kishan's mother said, "Isn't it too soon for him to do all this?"

Kishan's father said, "He does not feel that way, then why we should? He thinks he

can do it. Let him try." Kishan's mother smiled and agreed

That evening Kishan started the class just as his father would. He chanted OM 3 times and the children repeated. He then chanted some Shlokas and prayers. Kishan's mother was there to make sure the other children would behave well, but surprisingly no one had a problem with Kishan conducting the class. They were excited that someone of their age was taking doing so and they hoped that someday they would take the class too.

Kishan had selected a story of Buddha to narrate to the class. He told them the story in a beautiful way and then explained the moral. Kishan said, "Buddha was the great being. He was a king who chose to be a beggar and who travelled all over India to teach people. That is the love of a Guru. The love of a Guru is more than the love of parents. That is why we study The Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna sang this out of love for all of us. Let us chant a new Shloka today."

Kishan taught them a new Shloka from the Bhagavad Gita. At the end of the class, all the children chanted the closing prayer and bowed down to the photo of Lord Krishna. Kishan handed out the Prasadam and the children left appreciating him, they all liked the class.

Kishan's mother was overflowing with joy she was trying to control her tears of joy. She saw a Guru in her son. She saw God operating through him. She saw that Guruji's words were coming out of Kishan's mouth and he was delivering it in the same way that Guruji does. She thought, when someone's heart becomes pure and silent, God operates through such a person.

****

# Chapter 104. The Lord's promise

_Shloka_ 18.65

man mana bhava mad bhakto

mad yaji mam namaskuru

mam evaisyasi satyam te

pratijane priyo 'si me

Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.

Kishan had now reached the last chapter of Grandpa Hari's book. In the last chapter Grandpa Hari had written about his most recent visit to Kishan's house and the visit to the Ashram. Grandpa Hari had written about the day they drove to the Ashram and about his private conversation with Guruji.

Grandpa Hari had asked Guruji's students if he could speak to Guruji for sometime in private. One of Guruji's students went and told Guruji of grandpa's request. Guruji had agreed and they met in Guruji's room after the evening session.

Grandpa told Guruji, "Guruji, when I saw you for the first time today I suddenly felt like I saw my old friend Shankara who passed away more than 40 years ago."

Guruji laughed and said, "So you could see?"

Granda then understood what Guruji meant. He said "Oh, so it is you Shankar."

Guruji smiled and said, "Yes my old friend, it is me, I have come back to this world as a Sadguru to teach these people."

Grandpa Hari smiled and sat silent. They did not speak much they just looked at each other. There was no requirement for words. Two enlightened beings sat there. They closed their eyes and meditated for a while. Grandpa Hari got up after a while and said, "I will allow you to rest now, and I believe Kishan and the others are waiting for me outside."

Guruji said, "Yes. That is a divine family. The world can expect great things from them. Lord Krishna made a promise to Arjuna, that whoever worships him, they will reach him, and he will make sure that they reach him. I have come in their life to fulfill that promise. Their devotion is great. Their hearts are pure and their intellect is very sharp."

Grandpa smiled and prostrated at Guruji's feet and left the room.

Kishan was silent after reading this. He first thought why Grandpa did not tell him that day that Guruji was his friend Shankar, he then realized by himself that he did not know about Shankar uncle at that time, and he was happy that grandpa gave this book to him.

****

# Chapter 105. Surrender to Guru

_Shloka_ 18.66

sarva dharman parityajya

mam ekam saranam vraja

aham tvam sarva papebhyo

moksayisyami ma sucah

Abandon all concepts and just surrender unto Me. Do not fear, I shall deliver you from all sin and liberate you.

After reading the last chapter of Grandpa Hari's book Kishan was very eager to meet Guruji. It was a Thursday morning and Kishan went into his parent's room at 6am. Kishan's mother saw Kishan and asked, "Are you already getting ready to go to school?"

Kishan said, "No mom, I have to go to the Ashram today!"

Kishan's mother was confused.

Kishan's father said, "Why all of a sudden Kishan, is something wrong?"

Kishan said, "Nothing is wrong Dad, I know I have school today, but I am sorry. I have never asked you anything like this before, but I ask today, please, I have to go to the Ashram today."

Kishan's parents could see that Kishan was serious so they agreed. Kishan's father and Kishan drove to the Ashram. Throughout the way Kishan sat in the car with his eyes closed. When they reached the Ashram Kishan went straight to Guruji's room.

Guruji opened the door and said, "Oh, so you came."

Kishan's father said, "Namaste Guruji, I don't understand, Kishan came into our room in the morning and said he wanted to come here, he did not say why."

Guruji looked at Kishan and said, "Why don't you tell your father Kishan?"

Kishan said to his father, "Dad, I finished reading Grandpa's book last night. In the last page he had left me a note. He said that I was ready now, and that I had to come see Guruji immediately after I finished the book. He had not written why."

Kishan's father said, "Guruji, I feel this is something between you two, I trust Kishan in your hands, I will wait outside."

Kishan's father left the room.

Kishan asked Guruji, "Why did Grandpa ask me to come here Guruji?"

Guruji smiled and said, "Well, as he had written you are ready!"

Kishan asked, "Ready for what Guruji?"

Guruji smiled and paused.

Kishan exclaimed, "Ready to see God!?"

Guruji said, "No, you are ready to become one with him!"

Tears rolled down from Kishan's eyes. Guruji said, "Before that, you have to give me something. It is a custom that a student gives his Guru some Guru Dakshina."

Kishan had not got anything with him. He nervously said, "I don't have anything Guruji, but I can give it to you later."

Guruji laughed and said, "What will you give me?"

Kishan thought for a while and said, "Whatever you ask Guruji, what do you want?"

"I cannot ask, you have to give me" said Guruji.

Kishan thought again and said, "Ok, I will get a book."

"What will I do with a book? I know everything" laughed Guruji.

Kishan then said, "I'll get you a nice dress Guruji."

Guruji said, "I'm a simple man my boy, what will I do with a fancy dress?"

Kishan could not think of anything else, he then said, "What else then Guruji? If I was big and rich I would have given you lots of money."

Guruji said, "I don't want money, its better if you give it to the poor."

Kishan finally said, "There is nothing I can give you Guruji"

Guruji laughed and said, "Correct! There is nothing you can give me because you don't have anything. I will not accept whatever you give because it's not yours, it belongs to your parents, or it is something someone gave to you. Please tell me what belongs to you. Your toys, books, clothes, watch, bicycle, everything was given to you. What is yours?"

Kishan went silent. He realized what Guruji has just said, he realized that everything he had was given to him. Then something struck him. "Guruji! I will give you my body, my body is mine! I will be here and serve you!"

Guruji asked, "Is the body yours, it was given by Mother Nature, it was taken care of by Mother Nature, nourished by her through food. How is it yours?"

"Ok, I will give you my mind" said Kishan.

Guruji said, "Mind is also given by nature."

Kishan felt down now, he did not know what to say.

Guruji smiled at him and said, "My dear boy, I wanted you to understand that nothing belongs to you, everything belongs to nature and you are holding on to what is not yours. Let go of everything. Hold on to the one and only true thing that belongs to you, which is 'you'. The God inside you."

Kishan listened silently.

Guruji placed his palm on Kishan's head and said, "Close your eyes bring your mind to the point where my palm touches the top of your head."

Kishan took his mind to the top of his head and became aware of the touch.

Guruji stood silently for some time and said, "You are God!"

Kishan's mind became completely silent. He realized God. He was enlightened.

****

# Chapter 106. Teach the Gita

_Shloka_ 18.68

ya idam paramam guhyam

mad bhaktesv abhidhasyati

bhaktim mayi param krtva

mam evaisyaty asamsayah

For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me.

Kishan and Guruji sat in meditation for a long time. They sat silently experiencing oneness with God. One of Guruji's students knocked on the door and Guruji opened his eyes. Kishan was still in meditation. Guruji told his student to announce that he will not be meeting anyone today and the class can be taken by the other students. While he was talking to his student he saw Kishan's father sitting in the temple.

Guruji said, "Please ask Kishan's Dad to come here."

Guruji's student ran towards the temple and told Kishan's dad that Guruji wanted to see him. Kishan's dad immediately got up and walked towards Guruji's room.

Guruji said, "Were you worried?"

Kishan's father smiled and said, "Just a little bit Guruji, Kishan was very serious and I had never seen him so serious"

"You will never see him like that again. Your son is no ordinary child. Lord Krishna is very pleased with his devotion and from now on you will see Lord Krishna expressing himself through your boy. He is very wise. Don't think that he is just a kid. He is now the knower of the Gita!"

Kishan's father was very happy and relieved, he prostrated at Guruji feet.

"Kishan" called out Guruji.

When Kishan opened his eyes, his father could notice the change. Kishan's eyes carried the spark of a wise adult. Kishan's father wanted to hear him say something.

Guruji smiled and asked, "Why are you so silent Kishan?"

Kishan smiled and said, "I am here to teach the Gita!"

Kishan's father understood that his son had seen something. He understood that Kishan meant that his purpose in life was to teach The Bhagavad Gita.

Kishan looked at his father and said, "Don't worry Dad, I will be a great teacher and I will be very successful too."

Guruji said, "Yes, you will my boy, just like Krishna. A statesman on the outside and Supreme God inside. Go, teach the world the Gita. Help many come out of their sufferings, help many fight the battle of life. You have all the power of Krishna now."

****

# Chapter 107. One who teachs Gita is dearest to Krishna

_Shloka_ 18.69

na ca tasman manusyesu

kascin me priya krttamah

bhavita na ca me tasmad

anyah priyataro bhuvi

There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.

Kishan and his father spent the entire day at the Ashram. In the evening Kishan said, "Dad, I think we should go home now."

Kishan's father smiled and said, "I thought you would say you want to stay here."

Kishan said, "Why would I stay here, I have homework to do."

They both had a laugh.

On the way back in the car Kishan's father said, "I know you have been blessed by Guruji Kishan, I don't know exactly what but I know it's something big. I just want you to know that I will always support you in any way I can."

Kishan sang the above Shloka. He sang it in a beautiful tune, a tune that his father had never heard before. Kishan's father was surprised that he knew this Shloka as it comes in the 18th chapter of The Bhagavad Gita and they had not yet completed the 15th chapter in class.

After singing the Shloka Kishan said, "The one who teaches the Bhagavad Gita is the dearest to Krishna. Everyone says that they love Krishna, but Krishna loves him the most who teaches the Gita to others. You have been teaching the Gita for many years Dad, just like Grandpa Hari. You are dear to Krishna, you are dear to me."

Kishan's father had tears in his eyes.

Kishan continued to say, "You have been teaching without expecting anything in return, and because of your classes many have found peace. It is because of all your good merit that I got to meet Guruji. I am happy that I am your son."

****

# Chapter 108. The Ultimate Victory

_Shloka_ 18.78

yatra yogesvarah krisno

yatra partho dhanur dharah

tatra srir vijayo bhutir

dhruva nitir matir mama

Wherever there is Krishna, and wherever there is Arjuna, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion said Sanjaya.

The paper boy threw the newspaper over the gate of a house. The owner of the house came out and picked it up. Along with the newspaper was a monthly magazine, and on the cover was Kishan's photograph with a caption below that said 'The Modern Acharya'.

The man holding the magazine was Nishanth, he was very happy to see his friend on a magazine cover again. He ran into the house calling out to his wife. Nishanth said, "Chetana, come see this, your brother is on the cover again!"

Chetana came running down the stairs and she took the magazine from Nishanth's hand and screamed out of excitement.

Kishan was 32 years old now. He had established many Modern Gurukuls all over the world. He was a successful Surgeon and his spiritual organization had constructed many hospitals all over India where people were treated free of cost. Kishan had married a beautiful girl called Radha. Both husband and wife had dedicated their lives to serving people and teaching the Bhagavad Gita.

Kishan, Radha and their son Hari were sitting in the Pooja room for the morning Pooja.

Kishan sang the above Shloka and said, "This is the Shloka for the day. Hari, Lord Krishna is the greatest Guru, and Arjuna is a great student. When there is a Guru and Shisya then there is a Gita, a song, sung by the Guru. This was my guru." Kishan pointed out to the photo of Guruji in the Pooja room.

Kishan then said, "It is because of my Guru we have all that we have today. By his grace I understood the Gita and then I started teaching it and slowly many people became my students. It is because of the Gita that I became a great doctor. I was victorious in everything that I did because I did it for the people of the world and most importantly as an offering to my Guru. My guru would say that there is nothing I can give him. It is very true, there is nothing you can give to the Guru, but his giving is endless."

####

# Chapter About Author

#

Murali Krishna is a 25 year old 3D Artist from Bangalore India. His life gained a new purpose when he met Shri Narasimha Prabhu(fondly called as Sadguru Prabhuji by his students) a few years ago. He was inspired and transformed by the spiritual teachings that he received from Prabhuji.

For the past few years Murali has dedicated his time to various service activities. His main focus being teaching children The Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. He has empowered and transformed many children by teaching them spiritual truths through stories, games, drama and animation.

Murali started the LADS (Little Atmajyothis Dharmakshetra Sangha) initiative in 2011 under the guidance of Prabhuji. LADS offers a structured periodic course to children where classes are conducted every week.Apart from imparting spiritual education to children Murali also gives discourses on The Bhagavad Gita at various places in Bangalore.

