The Saint Who Reformed a Man Without a Sermon

A revered saint lived in a small town. People sought him not only for his wisdom and integrity but also for his remarkable ability to solve life's most difficult problems. His daughter, Godavari, had been married to the learned Prabhakar Shastry, whose family ran a flourishing gurukul patronised by the local king. For several years, their life was peaceful.

Then everything changed. One day, Godavari arrived at her father's home in tears.

"Father," she sobbed, "my husband has become a different man. What began as an innocent game of dice has turned into compulsive gambling. One by one, he has lost our wealth. He has taken to drink and spends his nights intoxicated. Worse still, he now frequents women of ill repute. The gurukul is neglected, students are leaving, and the king has warned that the royal grants will soon be withdrawn. I see no way out."

The saint listened quietly. After a long silence, he said, "Go home, my child. I shall come soon."

A few days later, he visited his son-in-law. They exchanged pleasantries, shared a meal, and spoke about the gurukula. Gradually, the saint mentioned Prabhakar's gambling and drinking.

Prabhakar flared up. "So, she has complained about me!" The saint smiled gently. "No, Prabhakar. I have not come to reform you. I have come to confess my own mistake."

The words stunned him. "I taught my daughter everything needed to be a good wife," the saint continued, "but I failed to teach her the wisdom of our scriptures. Had I done so, she might have found strength to face these trials. You are a great scholar. Will you do me one favour? Please spend a little time each day teaching her the Bhagavad Gita."

Ashamed to refuse such a humble request, Prabhakar agreed. The very next evening, as he set out to continue his usual indulgences, he suddenly remembered his promise. He turned back. His surprised wife looked at him questioningly.

"I have given your father my word," he said. "From today, I shall teach you the Bhagavad Gita." The lessons began. Days became weeks. Weeks became months.

No one could say how much the Gita transformed Godavari. But it transformed the teacher completely. As he explained its verses every day, he found himself confronting his own life. The sacred words pierced his conscience. Gradually, gambling lost its charm. Wine lost its grip. Immoral pursuits ceased. He devoted himself once again to the gurukula. Students returned, and the king gladly restored his patronage.

The saint had corrected a fallen man without accusation, argument, or condemnation. He did it by awakening the teacher within him.

Moral: True wisdom inspires change by awakening the higher self

The author of this short story is very talented Prakash Mahagoankar, a prolific writer and a very talented and creative trainer.