Ratnakar saw the sun almost touch the far horizon. It had been a particularly lean day, and no traveller came down the road that passed through the forest. He wondered if he’d be going home empty-handed. That’s when he got a glimpse of a shimmering image. It seemed like a traveller. The moment the stranger came to the narrow opening between the trees, Ratnakar waylaid him. He, though, was surprised to spot Narad, the venerable saint. Narad smiled and wondered what he could expect from a travelling bard-saint.
Before Ratnakar could respond, he heard Narad ask him, ‘Do you have any idea how much negative karma you accrue from your acts?’
‘Negative karma? That’s all talk for saints like you. I need to feed my family. Besides, it’s for them. So, even if the karma is negative, we’ll share the results however tough they might be,’ Ratnakar replied dismissively.
‘Share the karma’s results?’ Narad laughed. ‘Is that your philosophy? Forget doing that with the universal law; it won’t be possible even on the earthly plane. First, find out if your family agrees to share the karmic results of your misdeeds.’
Ratnakar was getting annoyed. Over and above an awfully unproductive day was this unnecessary debate. However, since he didn’t have much work with no one coming that way and the sun about to set, he decided to beat Narad in this argument. So, tying Narad to a tree to prevent him from escaping, Ratnakar made his way to his house.
The conversation that took place in Ratnakar’s house was transformative. Members of his family refused responsibility for his acts. He might be fending for them, they argued, but robbing strangers is his choice. He could have chosen any other means or any other profession.
When Narad saw a dazed Ratnakar return, he knew what had transpired. Ratnakar fell at Narad’s feet, who advised him to perform penance by chanting the name of Ram. While Ratnakar understood the universal principle the difficult way and meditated upon the name of Ram to eventually become one of the greatest seers of this land—Rishi Valmiki—this incident is an eye-opener for all of us. While justifying corruption and ill-deeds as done for the sake of family and loved ones, please remember this simple fact: in your karmic account, your actions alone will be factored in.
Rajessh M. Iyer is a storyteller who explores human relationships through meaningful anecdotes, parables, and stories; he shares his work on www.rajesshmiyer.com.
While justifying ill-deeds, please remember that in your karmic account, your actions alone will be factored in.