Barking dog vs hungry dog
On 18th November 2021, I got up early morning and got ready. It was a bit cold outside; I wrapped a black shawl around me and was ready for early morning aarti. The morning was more than perfect. There weren’t many people unlike in the evening puja. I had a chance, to be a bit closer to Bhagwan Sri Hari Ji. I realize it is impossible to be closer to Sri Hari Ji at the time of aarti or any events. I was a new person, a nobody, and nowhere close to the ladder of hierarchy at the ashram. Right contacts and power can do better magic than Sri Hari Ji. After the aarti, I sat there talking with HIM. We had our one-on-one chat.
After our yummy breakfast, we didn’t do much that day. I realized how tired and jet-lagged I was. We just waited for lunchtime, even after a heavy breakfast, we were ready for lunch. I guess that’s what an empty day does to you. Eat all day long!!
I adored all four-legged devotees at the ashram. They became instant friends. I was not aware of the rule, of not feeding the hungry and fragile dogs at the ashram. There was one lady dog, very skinny, must have had puppies recently. She used to hang out around the office area and café. I adore caring, feeding, and loving animals, no matter where I am. After our lunch, I took one chapati and kept it aside. I washed my plate and was heading out, right there, that gorgeous girl with big brown eyes, looking at me, knowing I am going to give her something very small but might help her hunger subside a little. After all, she had to create milk for her puppies. As I bent down and started giving her small pieces of chapati, there came a very strict, loud, and dry voice. “Stop feeding the dog, you are not supposed to feed them. They come from the village. They bark and make noises that bother Swami Ji. He has given us strict instructions to get rid of these dogs from here. People like you, visitors, come to see our ashram and leave, but we live here and we end up cleaning up your mess.”
I was completely frozen, a few tears rushed down. I didn’t say anything. I just looked down and started walking away. Why did I experience such hatred at this holy place? Isn’t this place starting, teaching, and elevating compassion, kindness, and love to all? I couldn’t bear the fact, that I was so hurt. Was I hurt because I got yelled at by a stranger?-, or was it because, I was considered as an outsider here, or was it so wrong to feed the hungry life, or did I let down Swami Ji, by disobeying his instructions? But then, Swami Ji sees God in everything and everyone. He would never keep God hungry. Didn’t Swami Ji, himself, once tell us a story about Sant Namadev, feeding a dog with ghee in one of his discourses? I tear up every time, I listen to that story.
Now it was my choice: Should I keep my focus on the barking dog or should I give my love and attention to the hungry dog?
This was my test, followed by a life lesson. What did I do?
Truth to be told: Till I was in the Ashram, I fed that little momma twice a day. I confessed to Bhagwan Sri Hari about it. If I was collecting bad Karma, I was ready to accept, but couldn’t see that kind soul go hungry. I don’t know if I pass or not but I was happy feeling that soul.
That afternoon, I and Shubs went down to visit Giri, and we had a fun time. We took lots of selfies, did small meditation sessions, and listened to Swami Ji’s YouTube lectures. Few cows were hangingout with us. One of the cows had silky brown color skin, she was wearing an earring, looking all sassy and cute, drinking water from the river Giri. She was wearing a long bell on her neck. It would make a bell ring sound every time she would move her neck. I was marveling at her and the nature around me.
Now, it’s your turn, to let me know what would you do?
