Bhagavatam - Tenth Skandha , Chapter 80

Story of Sudama

"O Brahman! indeed that is speech which describes the Lord . Those are the hands that do the work for him. That is the worthy mind which remembers him as dwelling in the moving and the unmoving. That indeed is the ear that hears the sanctifying topics of the Lord .The real head is that which bows to the Lord in his manifestation in the moving and the UN moving elements. The real eyes are those that see the Lord. And the real limbs are those that honor the water flowing through the feet of the lord regularly.”

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Story of Sudama

Raja Parikshit not fully satisfied with what he heard so far and wanting to hear more asks Suka Deva.

“Bhagavan! Which are the other deeds of the Supreme Soul whose valor in unlimited? I am interested in hearing more. Who indeed having repeatedly heard the glories of the Lord, would like to give up the pursuit of knowledge. O Brahman! indeed that is speech which describes the Lord . Those are the hands that do the work for him. That is the worthy mind which remembers him as dwelling in the moving and the unmoving. That indeed is the ear that hears the sanctifying topics of the Lord .The real head is that which bows to the Lord in his manifestation in the moving and the UN moving elements. The real eyes are those that see the Lord. And the real limbs are those that honor the water flowing through the feet of the lord regularly.”

Having thus been asked, Suka Deva concentrated his mind on the Supreme Lord. The he continued.

“Lord Krishna had a Brahman friend by name Sudama, who is very learned and detached from all sense enjoyment. His mind was peaceful and conquered all senses.he is householder subsisting on what he acquired by providence. He was called Kuchela because he had only wornout clothes. His wife too was like him is called Kshutkshama.

Once his faithful wife, poor and distressed approached him with a suggestion.

“Oh Brahman! directly the husband of the Goddess of fortune, and your personal friend , the Supreme Lord is compassionate to Brahmans. He is willing to give them shelter. O Fortunate one, please approaches him, who will give real shelter to all saints. He will give sufficient wealth to such suffering house holder as you are. Lord Krishna is now the ruler of Bhojakas he gives even his owns self to those who remember his Lotus feet. Then what to speak of material prosperity and enjoyment which are not even desirable”.

Thus entreated in this way, Brahman thought that to see the Lord is itself a supreme gain in this endeavor. Accordingly he decided to go. But first he asked his wife if there is anything he can carry to his friend as a gift. She obtained four fistful of rice from neighbors tied the same in ripped piece of cloth. She gave the same to her husband. Taking the small gift, the Brahman left for Dwaraka wondering how he will be able to get the darshan of Lord Krishna.

The learned Brahman along with some Brahmans entered Dwaraka. Then they passed several guards. They passed three archways. They went past the houses of Andhakas and Vrishnis. Then Sudama entered one of the palaces of the sixteen thousand wives of Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna, seated on the beds of his consort, spotted Sudama at a distance. He immediately got up and came forward and received him. Krishna embraced Sudama with great pleasure. The Lord himself felt extremely ecstatic and affectionate as he embraced his dear friend with tears in his eyes. He made the Brahman sit on his bed. He washed his feet and sprinkled the water on his head. He anointed him with sandal wood paste and worshipped him and offered him refreshments. He spoke to him with welcoming words. This poor emaciated Brahman with veins visible, wearing dirty clothes was served by none other the Goddess of Fortune in the form Rukmini too by fanning him to remove his fatigue.

The people of the Royal palace were astonished to find Lord himself attending to a poor Brahmin, wearing poorer clothes. They all wondered about the pious activities done by the Brahman to deserve so much attention from the Lord himself.

Suka Deva continued , “ O King taking each other's hands they talked about how they spent the time at the Gurukul . Then Krishna spoke to his friend ‘.

“O Brahman, you know well the ways of religious duties. After offering Gurudakshina and returning from the school did you marry a suitable wife? Though involved in household affairs, for the most part your mind is unaffected by material desires. Nor do you take pleasure in pursuit of material wealth. This indeed is known to me. Some people execute worldly duties with minds undisturbed by desires. They act as I do to show the path to others. “

“ O Brahman, do you remember our residence in the master's school. Learning what is to be learned we overcame ignorance .The one who him as twice born and engages him in dharma is indeed more directly is his spiritual master. But the one bestows spiritual knowledge to all people is ones ultimate spiritual master. Certainly O Brahman! Among those engaged in Varnasrama, those take advantage of the words I speak of and thus easily cross the ocean of existence best understand their own welfare .O Brahman I am not as satisfied by rituals, Brahminical initiation, penance. As by the faithful service rendered to ones spiritual master.

O Brahman do you remember when we were living with our master, we were sent by his wife to fetch firewood. Having entered the forest we were caught in a very great rain. Then after the sunset we were caught in the darkness. We lost our way but held our hands as we searched for the path. Our Guru Sandipani set out in the morning to search for us. Having found us, he told us,” Oh children you have suffered for my sake, Body are dear to very creature. But you disregarded your own comfort. My dear ones I am satisfied with you. May all your desires be fulfilled? May the Vedic mantras never lose their meaning for you? We had many such experiences living in our master's home.”

Brahman too replied,” O Universal teacher what is not achieved by us. O Lord of Lords living with you in the spiritual residence every desire was fulfilled. O Lord you are the absolute truth. Yet that you took up residence at the school of spiritual master to learn truth in this human form is only your greatness”.

In this manner the Lord continued the conversation .

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" O! Supremeone ! For him whose body constitues Veda the source of allround welfare, residence in Gurus abode is only for conforming to human ways.! "