The Faithful Monk

There was a monk living in the village of Bengal in India. He was a devotee of the God Shiva. He was humble, kind and honest. His outlook appearance was that of a street beggar, messy hair, skinny body, had little clothing on his body. He used to live his life by asking alms every day. Whatever the people gave him, he gathered in one bag, and by the end of the day he took everything and cook it all together. Sometimes people used to serve him meals. While begging and asking for alms he used to sing praises, some are which he composed. People used like his songs, and sometimes they even called him to sing on certain festival and occasion. He had no greed for money or fame. Sometimes he gave away all his alms to more poor people. He always used to pray, to see and be with his God.

And God saw that his faithful devotee was indeed truly faithful. He always thanked Him for this life and everything that he had and have. But since He is God, He must put him to a test to make sure that he is indeed worthy of His blessing.

So, one day God disguised Himself in a form of a mischievous kid and appeared before the monk. It was morning, and the monk was sweeping outside of his residence, and to his surprise the kid appeared in front of him. The monk collected all the dust debris and dried leaves in one place to throw it out. God put the monk’s patience into test. The kid went and kicked all the dust and debris which the monk the monk has collected to trash it and scattered everywhere.

The monk said nothing but smiled at the kid and again swept the ground. The kid did it repeatedly, but the monk remained calmed and joyous. He was swept the floor and was singing His praises. After the monk collected all the trash into one place, he around and saw the kid was no where to be found. He was silent, thought in his mind maybe the kid was tired and went home, or maybe he got bored out of it. But there was no sign of despair or tiredness, nor there was any kind of angriness.

He kept the bloom in its rightful place and went inside of his residence. As soon as stepped in, he saw that kid sitting on his bed. He was amazed to see that kid with that glorious light all around him. The light was even brighter than the mighty Sun. He called the monk by his name. The monk humbly knelt for the kid, bowed his head to the ground and said “My Lord what can I do for you? You came to my house, but I have nothing to offer you as I have nothing. But if you want take my life as it belongs to you and it is for you”.

And God replied “You have given me what I seek. I have watched you, and saw your faithfulness and humbleness, but wanted to see your patience and resentfulness. I know you always wanted to see me, so tell my servant what you want?”

The monk replied “All I ever wanted is to be with you “.

And as soon as he said that God said, “So it is fulfilled”.

After that nobody ever saw the monk again. People thought that he may went somewhere else to ask for alms and charity. And still now even though he has gone, his songs are still sung by the people of that place.