15 - Caring Son

Narayan passed tenth standard exams in first division. The friends asked, ‘Narayan, we do not have coaching facilities for Matriculation exams in Wadhwan. What would you do?’ Narayan replied, ‘I will go with my mother to Dhrangadhra to study.’ Narayan shifted to Dhrangadhra, but within few days his mother Shakuba fell ill. Mother said, ‘Narayan, please get admission in the school, otherwise whole year would be wasted.’ Narayan replied, ‘Ma, this year I am not going to take admission.’ Narayan knew that this was his mother’s final illness. Mother asked, ‘Why son?’ Narayan replied, ‘Ma, you are ill. I will take admission when you will feel better.’ Shakuba said, ‘It is not certain when I will get well! And your year would be wasted.’

Narayan said, ‘Studies are not important compared to serving one's parents. If this year is wasted, I will study next year. But it is my duty to serve my parents. Serving the sick people pleases Maharaj. And it is my good luck to serve a pious mother like you.’ Shakuba resisted, -‘Son! I do not like a great Mukta like you serving me. I clearly remember the statements of Bapashri. You have appeared to liberate a lot of living beings and you are serving Me.’ Narayan replied, ‘You have lived your life in pious manner. You have worshipped God and you have lived an honest life. God would be pleased if I serve you.’

Shakuba said, ‘Narayan, you are looking after me very well. Nobody can take care like you. I am extremely fortunate that God has given me a son like you.’ Shakuba felt exhausted while speaking. Narayan was concerned. He said, ‘Ma, please take rest.’ Shakuba requested, -‘Son, please tell me the narratives of God.’ Narayan lovingly narrated greatness of God. Shakuba felt peaceful. She was united with divine form of Maharaj forever.

Difficult words:
Fortunate - Very lucky
Exhausted - Extremely tired
Concerned - Anxious or Worried

Points to ponder:
- Muktaraj teaches us that we must serve our parents honestly considering it as a pious duty.
- We must ignore other activities while serving.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. Why did Narayan leave Wadhwan?
2. Why did Narayan not take admission in Matriculation classes?

Fill in the blanks :
1. It is my duty to serve _____ ______ _______ pleases Maharaj.
2. Nobody can take care ____ ______ ______ given me a son like you.