Guha and Rama, same profession

6/18/08

When Sri Rama Bhagavan got the blessing of Vanavaasam or Life in forest for fourteen years from Dasaratha maharaja, he started the journey to the forest with Sita and Lakshmana. Guhan, a forest dweller and great devote of Lord Rama,  helped them to cross River Ganga. Guha wa extremely happy in getting an opportunity to serve Lord Rama. After crossing the Ganga, Rama told Guha: 

"Guha! thank you so much for this service and I will never forget your timely help. Since I do not possess anything now, I am unable to give you anything for the service you rendered. I feel sad in leaving you like this with out helping you in any way."

Then the wise Guha said: 

"Oh Lord! people of the same profession usually do not charge fees each other."

 Lord Rama looked at Guha totally perplexed. He continued calmly: 

"both Lord and I are in the same profession. You help people to cross the samsaara saagaram or ocean of life and I help people to cross this part of Ganga river. So I do not want anything in return. Since I helped you cross this Ganga river, please help me to cross the samsaara saagaram and that is the only help I beg of you". Lord Rama smiled and hugged Guha and by that time Guha already started seeing the other bank of the never ending samsaara saagaram!"

Let Sri Rama kaarunyam or kindness be showered on all of us! and let His kaarunyam help us to realize the blessings he is constantly showering on us!!

P.S. Guha's argument is true even now. If a physician goes to see another physician, they usually do not charge the consultation fee. In india, usually private bus conductors get to travel free in any private buses. May be Guha introduced this unwritten rule of conduct for people of the same profession!.