Once upon a time, a Guru (one
who brings us closer to God) was explaining the importance of chanting* God's
Name to his disciples (students). He addressed all, saying, “My dear students,
The Name is a very important part of our life or you can say that our very life
itself is surrounded by The Name. Everyone must try to become one with The Name.
Each one of you must try to chant the Name of God so often that you all shall
feel that the very aim of life is to chant the Holy Name. This will lead to a
constant and eternal state of happiness known as ‘ Bliss' .”
Upon hearing this, one student asked, “How can we
become one with The Name and how to attain this ‘Bliss'?” Immediately, the Guru
placed a lump of salt in the student's hand and said, “Put this lump of salt
in some water and return to me after some time.”
On doing as instructed, the student
looked into the water for the lump of salt. However, he could not find the salt,
as it had dissolved in the water.
The Guru then said, “Taste the water. How is
it?”
“It is salty,” replied the student.
“Look for the salt again,” the Guru suggested.
“I cannot see the salt, Teacher. I only see water
that tastes salty,” commented
the student.
The Guru then explained, “Salt mixed with water cannot
be separated from the water. Similarly, The Name, which is embedded in your soul,
cannot be separated. Just as this water will always taste salty, you will also
always experience constant and eternal happiness, which is ‘Bliss' by Chanting
God's Name.” |
