What is there in occult powers? When one’s mind is entangled with them, one moves away from Satchidananda. Listen to this story. A man had two sons. The elder left home while he was still young and became a monk. Meanwhile, the younger one got his education and became learned and virtuous. He married and settled down to fulfil his duties as a householder.
According to tradition, after twelve years a monk may visit his birthplace if he wishes. So this monk went to visit his birthplace after being gone for twelve years. He saw his younger brother’s farm, his crops, and his wealth. When he reached the door, he called out his brother’s name. Hearing his name, the younger brother came out to greet his elder brother. He was overwhelmed with happiness at seeing him after such a long time. He bowed to him, brought him inside the house, and began to serve him. After sharing a meal, they began to talk about various things. The younger brother asked the elder: ‘Brother, you have given up worldly pleasures and wandered as a monk for many years. Please tell me what you have gained by this.’ The elder brother said: ‘You want to see what I have achieved? Come with me.’ So he took his brother to the bank of a nearby river and said, ‘Watch!’ He then crossed the river, walking on the water. Reaching the other bank, he called back, ‘Did you see that?’ The younger brother paid half a penny to the ferryman, crossed the river by boat, went up to his brother and said, ‘What have I seen?’ The elder brother said, ‘Did you not see me cross the river on foot?’
Smiling, the younger brother replied: ‘Didn’t you see me pay half a penny to cross that river? Is that all you gained by performing austerities for twelve years? Your power is worth only half a penny.’ As the monk listened to his brother’s words, he was awakened and focussed his mind on God-realization.
- Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Ramakrishna and His Divine Play, P 526
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