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Prema drew a circle
in the dust with her toe, contemplating the design.
Perhaps, she said timidly, the Lord loves His
devotees enough to carry things to them.
Niranjan made an
impatient sound with his tongue. You do not understand these
things, he said. The difference between carry and give is a
subtle one, but important. Let me explain. Certainly, the Lord loves
His devotees. It is through His grace that all things are possible.
That is to say, He creates the circumstances whereby His servants
may realize their desires. Everything comes to pass through His
will. Did I not perform a puja last year for Balaram that the Lord
might be gracious and grant his wish for a male child?
Prema's face lit
up. And what a beautiful boy the Lord brought! Do you know, he
laughs from morning till night and his skin is as golden as ...
Niranjan raised his
hand. Yes, yes, he said, but the point I am trying to make
is that the Lord gave the child to Balaram, He did not carry the
child in His arms to him. Do you imagine that the Lord of the
universe, the Supreme One, could so demean Himself? Does a maharaja
carry the objects of his people's petitions to them? Certainly not!
He grants the petitions. He sets in motion the powers that will make
it possible for his subjects to have what they desire if he sees
fit. Niranjan quoted a long Sanskrit verse from the scriptures
to substantiate his argument. It was a recitation lost upon his
wife, for she understood not a word.
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