One Cry That Changes Everything

There used to be an enlightened Guru in a village who used to help people generously. When someone would approach for help he would give them money or help as need be and to accomplish that he would borrow from his followers who were affluent and willing to help. Considering the noble Guru’s kindness and divinity, the lenders would not insist on payback or follow up for the money. Over the years Gurujis kind action piled up a good deal of debt which he owed the money lenders. 

Things were going on smoothly till such time Guruji fell sick and was unable to move around much. Word spread and his disciples saw a turn out of many followers and well-wishers in their ashram enquiring about Gurujis health. Among the visitors were the money lenders too who were now concerned as they weren’t sure if they will get back their money. One such day there was a large gathering in the ashram, Guruji was lying on the bed and his followers were sitting surrounding him. When the disciples asked him how do they repay the money and keep up the expenses of the ashram, Guruji would always repeat ‘don’t worry, HE knows when it is time’. When few money lenders asked about their money, Guruji said the same ‘don’t worry, you will get your money, he knows when it is time’. Though not expressive, Gurujis followers and disciples were getting impatient in this state of limbo. 

Just around this time, everyone heard the loud call of a boy who was a sweet seller and he was calling out ‘Halwa le lo’. Guruji could hear this and told his disciples his desire to have Halwa. Disciples brought the street vendor boy in and asked him to give Halwa for Guruji. On seeing the boy, Guruji asked him the cost per plate. The boy mentioned the cost and asked how many plates he needs, Guruji asked him to serve Halwa to everyone present in the ashram that day. Disciples were in a frenzy not being sure how to pay the boy if they incur this expense and went to Guruji, he again smiled and said ‘don’t worry, it will be arranged, he knows when it is time’. Disciples were absolutely tensed and confused, but then informed the boy to serve Halwa to everyone in the ashram. The boy was delighted at the prospect of the earning he would get and happily served everyone. Everyone was really happy with the tasteful Halwa and there was a wave of cheer in the ashram suddenly with this activity. The boy then went to Guruji and asked for his payment. Guruji complimented him for the tasty sweet and told him there wasn’t any money to pay. 

On hearing this, the boy was aghast and completely shattered. He started wailing loudly stating that what was he supposed to do now. He has such dire need of the money to take it back to his family without which if he goes back to his house he might just get thrashed and abused badly. The family also had significant need of this money, the boy was in a terrible state of despair and thought he might as well end his life. Guruji told him to calm down and repeated ‘don’t worry, He will take care of this as He knows when it is time’. There was sadness and unbearable pain in the boy's mind and just as he was about to get up and leave, everyone saw a vehicle reaching the ashram. A guest was visiting Guruji who handed over a bag full of coins which were good enough for the debts to be repaid and also the amount due to the boy. 

 यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।

अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥

परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् ।

धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥

शब्दार्थ-

मै प्रकट होता हूं, मैं आता हूं, जब जब धर्म की हानि होती है, तब तब मैं आता हूं, जब जब अधर्म बढता है तब तब मैं आता हूं, सज्जन लोगों की रक्षा के लिए मै आता हूं, दुष्टों के विनाश करने के लिए मैं आता हूं, धर्म की स्थापना के लिए में आता हूं और युग युग में जन्म लेता हूं।

Meaning - Whenever, O Bharat, righteousness (dharma) declines and unrighteousness is rampant, I manifest myself.I manifest myself from age to age to defend the pious, destroy the wicked, and strengthen dharma.