When Blooming Seems A Burden!

A parable by Guruji Rishiputra Balayogi

In the humble courtyard of the Ashram, Guruji sat beneath the heavy, arching branches of a magnificent mango tree. He gestured toward the fruit, which hung like golden lanterns, and then pointed to the scarred bark where stones had repeatedly struck the trunk.

"Look at this tree," Guruji whispered. "It is pelted with rocks and sticks by every passerby. Does the barren tree beside it suffer such a fate? No. The world only throws stones at the tree that carries the sweetness of life. It is the weight of its own blessing that invites the challenge."

He then looked toward the dairy, where the cows were being led for the evening milking. "Observe the mother cow. She is led to the stall, her movements restricted, her bounty taken to nourish others. The bull and the dry cow are left to roam the field in peace. Only the one with the capacity to give is called upon to perform the labor of sacrifice. The universe does not seek milk from a stone; it milks only that which is full."

A student, weary from the burdens of his own service, asked, "But Guruji, why must the good always endure the most? It feels a pity that those who care the most are the ones the world tests most severely."

Guruji smiled, his eyes bright with a sharp, loving wit. "My dear, do not pity the mango tree for its scars, nor the cow for her service. To be tested is the ultimate validation of your worth. The universe is a master gardener; it only prunes the vine that is capable of bearing the finest grapes. If you find yourself challenged, if you find yourself 'stoned' by circumstances or 'milked' by the needs of others, do not lament your suffering."

He stood up, brushing the dust from his robes. "Instead, stand tall in the grace of your own abundance. Change your perspective: we are not victims of our burdens, but fortunate souls chosen by the Divine to be vessels of light.

The universe only tests the worthy.

To be challenged is to be recognized as a soul who has something truly precious to share. Grow through the pressure, for it is only in the milking that the essence is shared, and only through the harvest that the tree fulfills its Dharma."