Raikva - The Cart Driver

 

Raikva – The Cart Puller

Story from Chandogya Upanisha

Charity as an act of good is given as a requirement in most religions. In Santana Dharma, like all the teachings charity is inter woven with every ceremony, yagna and puja – be it a Navarathri, shrardh or a charity or a dhaan is being given during a ceremony the priest any religious ceremonies. One of the important aspects if you notice while asks the person performing the ritual to say “Na Mama” which means “Not mine”.

This means that we leave all the linkage to the material thing – be it clothes or precious metals or grains – that we give away. But what about the ego while we do the charity? A nice story depicts the learning on this aspect.

Once upon a time, there was very dharmic and popular king ruling a part of the Bharatavarsha called Janashruthi. Janashruthi was not only a kind and dharmic ruler but was charitable and loved to give away his wealth and belongings to the poor. While he was doing all this with a good heart, he was justifiably proud of this. Janashruthi had also learned the language of animals and birds from his Guru.

One day, he was in his palace trying to sleep. Two swans were flying past. One swan said to the other “Be careful to avoid the heat of dharma emanating from Janashruthi smiled with pride and happiness. The other swan replied “If I have survived the heat of dharma of the Raikva the cart driver, what can Janashruthi’s aura do. He is lesser than the cart driver.”

Now, Janashruthi was curious. He sent his ministers to find Raikva. They found Raikva sitting under his cart to ward of the sun. Janshruthi went to meet Raikva with many cows, a gold chain and a carriage. He offered everything to Raikva in return for knowledge of self and divine. Raikva smiled and sent him back saying “Please take back your gifts. Knowledge is not for sale.” Though taken aback, the king went back.

After some time, Janashruthi went back to Raikva with more cows, gold and also offered his daughter in marriage. Raikva did not accept the gifts and sent the king back. He was pleased with the persistence, patience and approach of Janashruthi. Raikva felt that these were required for a good learner.

A few months passed. Janashruthi again came back to Raikva with cows, gold and his daughter. This time, he pleaded with Raikva to take him as a disciple. Raikva felt sorry for the king and said “ Oh king, please understand that in this world, many physical manifestations are worshipped as God. The wind that cools us is Vayu, the God. The fire that keeps us warm, is Agni, the God. The air that we breathe and makes us live, is Prana and is a God. All these do their job without any expectation or the need to be praised.

What we give as charity is only ours temporarily. Give without pride or show. Give generously and freely but without ego and looking for fame. See the God spirit in everyone and gladly share what you have with others without any arrogance. “

Janashruthi fell at Raikva’s feet with tears in his eyes. He understood his mistake. He pleaded with Raikva to marry his daughter and accept atleast a small portion of the gifts that were offered. This time Raikva agreed. The king gladly gave his daughter to the noble Raikva in marriage and returned to the palace.

 Raikva and the princess lived happily in that village which came to be known as Raikvaparna named after the philosopher of the cart.