BV November 23rd Updates:
F FOR FRIENDSHIP
Hari Om Parents,
This week it is F for Friendship. A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED. Whatever relation we are in, whether it is father mother sister brother husband or wife, we will want that relation to be very friendly. A friend is a person with whom we can share all of our feelings even it is intimate. When every relation is like a friend, that relationship will be lasting forever. A good friend will help without expecting anything in return. That is how mothers, fathers and all other relations will help us whenever we are in crisis. They will not mock at us and make fun of our sufferings. They will always support us. But whenever we are wrong, a true friend is a person who will boldly tell our wrong doings and try to bring us to the right path. All relationships ultimately become friends for each of us at a certain point of time.
We have a very good example of friendship. KRISHNA AND SUDAMA. After slaying Kamsa, Krishna went to study at Rishi Sandipani ashram where he befriended a very poor brahmin boy called Sudama. This is real friendship. Krishna was the son of a king and Sudama was very poor. But for Krishna everyone is equal. He only saw the sincere love Sudama had for Krishna. After sometime Krishna completed his studies and went back to Dwaraka and became king and Sudama went to his hometown. But Sudama was completely immersed in the thoughts of Krishna. He loved Him from the bottom of his heart. He was very, very poor. But his devotion and love for Krishna never decreased. Years rolled by. Sudama married a girl and was blessed with children. But the family did not have enough to eat. Sudama's wife, unable to see the hunger of the children, persuaded Sudama to go and ask Krishna for help. Sudama was hesitant at first, but after some time, gathering courage, he set out to meet his friend, with a small packet of rice packed by his wife for Krishna.
When he reached Dwaraka, the guard, looking at him, told that he was not allowed to enter the palace. But Krishna instantly knew that His friend had come to meet Him and rushed to the entrance to receive Sudama. Krishna was very very happy to meet his old friend and hugged him very tight. Sudama felt a thrill going down through his spine by the very touch of his beloved friend and Lord which made him forget why he had come to see Krishna. The Lord also was equally thrilled with his devotee. He took him inside and gave him all due respects. Sudama was very hesitant to give him the prasad he had bought but Krishna immediately sensed it and He Himself pulled it out and starting eating the rice. Sudama was very pleased to see his Lord's simplicity. His devotion kept on growing seeing Krishna. After sometime, Sudama took leave of Krishna and started going back home.
Sudama was very happy and pleased to see Krishna and kept on thinking of Him. Only on nearing his house, he suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to ask Krishna for help. He had to convince his wife and children now. But as he neared his house, he was astounded. His hut was big house now. He had all riches and his wife and children came running to greet him wearing very wealthy clothes and ornaments. They were happy beyond words and from that day on Sudama and his wife became great devotees of Krishna. They all lived a very pious life and spent their remaining days thinking of the glories of Krishna.
Krishna is a such a great friend. Sudama did not even ask Him. But He blessed and helped His friend for the love and devotion that Sudama had for Krishna. Let all of us be a great friend to everyone in need.
With Gurudev's blessings,
Sujata Arunkumar
Malathy Balasubramanian.
