I am reading this story at the perfect time for me. My daughter and I have been having a disagreement and I just realized that she felt judged by me.
The story has taught me that just because someone is younger than I am does not mean that I am always right. It has shown me that I can be gentler, a better listener, more open to grace. I am so grateful for this guidance. I trust that, to the extent I can assimilate what I’ve understood, this story will bring my daughter and me closer.
Tennessee, United States
Muktabai’s joy as she met the villagers and her compassion for the potter were radiant rays of light. I imagine that same light emanating from her elder disciple’s heart. The articulate telling of this story enables those rays of light to continue shining. They shone into my heart and mind.
I am grateful for this example to follow in my day-to-day interactions with people. For many months, I’ve been practicing one simple reflection sparked by the sight of litter in my street. Upon noticing my irritation, I decided to change my attitude to one of acceptance. I pick up the litter with love instead of feelings of resentment. As a result, I am happier and the street is cleaner. This simple transformation in my heart is making a difference to my neighborhood and to the way I greet my fellow villagers.
Melbourne, Australia
This morning I had the urge to make sweet banana bread, and as I blended the ingredients, I came to the realization that many people were with me as I prepared this treat. My aunt who gifted me with the glass mixing bowls 40 years ago, the recipe from a friend, the bananas from my partner's trip to the grocery store, the metal baking pans from my sister—all were a part of this bread coming together. As the bread cooked, I thought about whom to gift with this sweetness and thought of our neighbors, whose child had been in the hospital last week.
It wasn't until after I delivered the bread that I read this story. I felt I had received the gift of grace to recognize a connection with my own efforts, with Deepavali, and with this beautiful story.
Missouri, United States
Today is the new moon here in Australia. I have been contemplating and remembering Deepavali in the days leading up to this most beautiful and auspicious day, thanks to the all of the offerings on the Siddha Yoga path website.
Reading this story, I was deeply touched. It brought back memories of Alandi, visiting this divine town with Baba Muktananda in the 1970s. I remembered experiencing the
shakti and the love of the Siddhas that lived there, sitting in the courtyard near the tree of Saint Jnaneshwar’s
samadhi shrine, walking through town down to the river-- all the time feeling the power and the love that is all-pervasive in Alandi and holy places like it.
I am grateful for this beautifully told, insightful story.
Lismore, Australia
This story, beautifully told and with such deep understanding, moved me to tears as I read it.
I was as much moved by Muktabai's and Jnaneshwar's compassion as I was by the complete transformation from pride to humility in Visoba's heart.
It is a lesson for me in letting go of pride and admitting a mistake.
I am so grateful for my Guru's patience, love, and compassion as she continues again, again, and again to offer me opportunities to grow and develop the divine virtues.
London, United Kingdom
I love this story, which shows me so clearly the compassion and wisdom of the Siddhas. Even when someone deliberately throws obstacles in their way, all they want to do is help that person grow and increase their understanding. They do not direct anger or blame toward the other person.
This story also reminded me that rigidly adhering to traditional customs might close off the wisdom of the heart and that the Siddhas’ love opens the heart to a greater vision.
How lucky we are to have the path of a living Siddha to lead us to liberation.
Yeovil, United Kingdom
I’m inspired by Muktabai’s example. I find it easy to recognize someone’s blind spots, but quite a challenge to forgive their limitations so readily. Yet this came so naturally to Muktabai. She had no ego in the situation, only compassion. In instances when I feel I’ve been wronged, I would love to be able to experience and extend compassion the way she does. To me, one aspect of Muktabai’s greatness is her ability to discern the sincerity of Visoba’s change of heart. As I reflect on this, I connect to the Guru’s compassion for me and to her unconditional acceptance of me and her support for my efforts in
sadhana.
What a blessing the Guru’s compassion is!
Ohio, United States