112 - Faith makes things happen

People were going down the steps to Ganga to have a bath since it was believed that a dip in the holy river would wash away all the sins and the person would come out 'sinless'.

A woman fell into a ditch nearby and shouted for help. A man came and offered her his hand to catch so that he could lift her out. "Only if you are sinless," she said, "otherwise the curse which is on me will get transferred to you." And promptly the man withdrew his hand !

Like this throughout the day various people came and offered help. She made the condition known to them and each promptly withdrew! The day passed on.

Around late afternoon a young man came and offered his hand to help. She put the condition. He said, "It does not bother me at all and since I have just come out after a bath in Ganga and washing away all my sins. O lady ! so there is nothing to fear. Come on catch my hand so that I can pull you out."

We all go through the motions of ritual without faith. If faith is there miracle can and do happen.


source: Stories from Here and There, Ekalavya Education Foundation - By: Sunil Handa - http://www.eklavya.org/storyhere.html