Page 136 - Mystic Pathways through the Bible

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130 Mystic pathways through the bible
instead to carry the heavy load right on his head, it would seem ridiculous to observers. Then he cannot enjoy the train ride. However, such is the situation with those who are not introduced to spiritual life. They carry the burden of attachment and judgments towards the world wherever they go, rather than simply relaxing in Divine Hands.
In an interesting parable from Indian literature about the life of Lord Krishna, the gopis, or cowherd maidens, found themselves standing before the ooding Yamuna River with containers of yogurt on their heads. When the gopis found that the ood was so extreme that they could not cross in their usual way, they prayed to Krishna to assist them. In response, Krishna appeared before them with a very small boat. “I will carry all of you across this river,” he said, “but only one at a time.”
As soon as the rst cowherd maiden entered the boat, it began to sink. Frightened, she cried out to Krishna, “Why is it that you cannot take me across? Why does the boat sink?” And Krishna replied, “Because your vessel of yogurt is too heavy. If you throw that yogurt away, the boat will oat correctly.” And so, she had no choice but to throw away the vessel of yogurt because her life itself was in danger.
Now Krishna rowed the boat a little more, and again it began to sink. Again the maiden said, “What is wrong now? Why can’t you carry me across?”