Wisdom From The Ages

Sudama reached the city of Dwarika after a long and tiresome journey. After repeated enquiries, he at last found himself at the portals of the right royal mansion of Bhagavan Shri Krishna. The poet Narotama gives in Hindi a beautiful word-picture of what followed. According to him, the porter received the stranger kindly and offering him a seat at the gate, the former went into the presence of the Lord and gave Him the following report:

                        “My Lord, a stranger waits at the door:

                        From whence he hails, no one knows.

                        No turban on his head, no garment on his person;

                        His loin cloth is torn, the toga poor;

                        No shoes he has to cover his feet.

                        The poor, emaciated Brahmin that he appears to be

                        Came and stood at the gate,

                        Looking at the beauty of the city with wondering eyes.

                        The abode of the destitutes’ friend he enquires about,

                        And calls himself Sudama.”

            Hearing the very name of “Sudama,” the Lord forgot Himself and hurriedly got up from His seat. The crown was left uncared for, the yellow robe dropped from His body; He could not find time even to put on His sandals and rushed toward the gate. Seeing the miserable plight of Sudama from a distance, the Lord said:

“O friend, what a helpless condition you have been reduced to!”

Then the Lord noticed the network of thorns

Sticking at the soles of Sudama’s feet.

Alas! Friend, what a terrible suffering you have undergone!

At the sight of Sudama’s destitution,

The Ocean of Compassion wept with grief.

The water kept for washing the feet of Sudama was not even touched.

He washed them with His own profuse tears!

(Narottama)