Glory of Deeksha ! Spiritual Story
Once, a man approached a saint and asked to be initiated, seeking spiritual deliverance; however, he requested that a few of his conditions be met first, hoping the saint would not turn him away disappointed. Pleased by the man’s sincerity, the saint agreed to initiate him and asked him to state his demands. The devotee touched the saint’s feet and said, “I cannot give up alcohol, yet I also wish to engage in devotional singing (bhajan).” Smiling, the saint asked, “Is there any other issue?” Hesitantly, the devotee added, “I do not wish to keep a choti (tuft of hair on the crown of the head) either.” When the saint asked if there were any further wishes, the man happily replied, “No, Master, I have no other desires.”
The saint marked his forehead with a tilak, placed a sacred necklace (kanthi) around his neck, whispered the Guru-mantra into his ears, and said, “From this day forth, you must lead a Vaishnava life—renouncing deceit and immorality, and chanting the Lord’s name for at least forty minutes daily. Furthermore, whenever you consume alcohol, surrender its ill effects and consequences to me; I shall bear the punishment for your misdeeds, not you.” The disciple returned home with a heavy heart. Upon his arrival, his family viewed him with newfound respect; people who previously wouldn’t even speak to him properly now sought to converse with him. He began to feel a sense of well-being, and his words carried increasing weight within his family and society.
Although he no longer felt an internal craving for alcohol, the thought of it would occasionally cross his mind—”It has been a long time; I shall drink today.” One day, he sat down and opened a bottle of liquor. Just as he raised the glass to his lips, he was instantly reminded of his Guru and the fact that the Master would have to suffer the consequences of his sins. The glass slipped from his hand, and an incessant stream of tears began to flow from his eyes. The very next day, the disciple went to see the saint; he prostrated himself fully and began to weep. The saint asked, “What happened? Did I perhaps give you a life filled with too many hardships?”
The disciple replied, “No, Master; it is I who have put your life in danger. Why should you suffer the consequences of my sinful deeds? I have committed a grave offense; you granted me refuge and redeemed me, yet I am the one who has endangered your life.”
Moral: Saints are like perfume; even if one merely passes by them, one’s character is refined. And if, by good fortune, an enlightened saint enters one’s life, that life becomes as serene and beautiful as a tranquil lake. Therefore, seek the company of saints as much as possible.
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