The Power of a Childlike Heart
This is the story of a 10 year old boy who lived 200 years ago in the land of Braj. His master, Nandkisor Das Goswamipad, used to run a Gurukul-Ashram in Barsana. He used to live in the ashram and tend to his master’s cows. He was a very simple and innocent boy, very pure in heart and free from any vice or deceit. People called him Bhondu, literally meaning simpleton.
Like a little child, he was so credulous that he would easily believe anything that anyone told him. Every morning he used to go to Bhandiravana, the forest on the other side of Yamuna to graze the cows. Someone told him that Nandalala (Sri Krishna, the son of Nand) also went to Bhandiravana with the other cowherd boys to graze his cows. He began to rejoice in the thought that someday he would meet Nandalala and make friends with Him. He would then dance, sing, and play with Him and the other cowherd boys.
His anxiousness to meet Nandalala went on increasing. He began to sob and cry for Him. How could Nandalala who is by nature so kind and loving, ignore the cry of a simple hearted boy so intensely devoted to Him? Nandlal became equally anxious to meet him.
So, Nandlad appeared before Bhondu one day with His elder brother Balram (Dau). Bhondu immediately became friends with Nandalala and started bringing nice treats for Him every day. Krishna shared it with His playmates and enjoyed it very much.
One day as Bhondu was going out of the Ashram to graze the cows, Nandkisora Das Goswami saw him carrying a big load on his head.
“What are you carrying Bhondu?” he asked.
“I am carrying provisions for a feast for Nandalala and His friends,” Bhondu replied smilingly.
“Feast for Nanadalala?”
“Yes for Nanadalala.”
“Which Nanadalala?”
“Nandalala the flute player, who comes to Bhandira vana for grazing cows. Oh, He is extremely handsome! The color of His body is lustrous blue. He wears a yellow garment round His chest and a garland of flowers round His neck. A crown studded with peacock feathers adorns His head. He always has a charming smile on His face. Oh Master, I can’t describe how handsome he looks.”
Bhondu's master could not believe what Bhondu said, but he also could not disbelieve, because he knew that Bhondu was not capable of telling a lie.
He asked Bhondu to invite Nandalala and His party for feast at the ashram the next day. Not sure if Shri Krishna would accept, he asked Bhondu, if his friend would accept the invitation.
“Yes why not? I shall bring him tomorrow,” said Bhondu with confidence
While going to Bhandiravana, Bhondu was constantly musing on Nandalala’s reaction to the invitation. “Oh, how happy He will be!” But when he conveyed the invitation to Nandalala, promptly came the reply, “No Bhondu, I will not go to your ashram.”
“No, Nandlala, You will have to go. I have promised my master,” said Bhondu, his face blushing with affront and anxiety; for it was an affront not only to him but also to his guru.
“No, I will not. What have I to do with your guru and his ashram?” Nandalala curtly replied again.
Poor Bhondu never imagined that Nandalala could be so defiant and discourteous. After all he had made a simple request to Him and he had every right to believe that He would readily accede. But He did not. Bhondu’s heart was broken. Tears trickled down his cheeks. He had no words to express his feelings. He decided, he no longer wanted to play with Nandalala. He separated his cows and started to march back to the ashram in anger.
Nandalala was shocked. “What are you doing Bhondu?” He asked.
“I am going away. If you do not have anything to do with my guru, then I have nothing to do with You!”
This was too much for Nandalala. How could he bear Bhondu parting company with Him? He ran and caught Bhondu’s arm and very sweetly said, “Listen Bhondu! Dau comes with me. And your guru lives in Barsana. That is Radha Rani’s place. Dau does not want to go there. And I can’t leave Dau alone and go. Why don’t you invite your guru to the forest tomorrow? We will all sit and have a meal together.” This pacified Bhondu. When he went back to the ashram, his guru was waiting impatiently. He asked Bhondu if Nandalala had accepted his invitation. Bhondu explained that Barsana is Shri Radha Rani’s place and Dau didn’t want to come here, so Nandalala has invited you to lunch tomorrow.
The guru could not sleep all night. Next morning both of them got ready early and left for the forest with loads of food. Bhondu waited patiently as he knew Nandalala came whenever he liked. But his guru was desolate and full of yearning. As midday approached, Shri Krishna appeared with Dau and all His cows. The guru could not bear the joy of seeing the Lord in all his glory and fell unconscious. Bhondu was used to Nandalala appearing and disappearing in this manner every day. He could not understand what happened to his guru suddenly.
He ran to serve the master and asked Nandalala to help. Nandalala knew that if He did not help, Bhondu would again be upset like yesterday. So, The Supreme Lord Shri Krishna too started fanning the guru with His peetambar (yellow cloth that is draped around his shoulders or arm). When the guru came back to consciousness, he bowed down at the lotus feet of Nandalala and offered his respects. Then the guru offered all food to Him. He was so ecstatic seeing Nandalala laugh and have fun with Bhondu, that he kept going in and out of consciousness.
Thus, due to his simple heartedness and steadfast faith, Bhondu realized God. The master was also graced through his servant.
MORAL
God does not appreciate any pretense. He loves a simple, faithful heart. When such a calls calls He comes running and fulfills the devotees wishes. It doesn't care whether the wishes are virtuous or not, follow dharma or not.