Setting: A Serene Village Near Vrindavan
In a quaint village near the mystical land of Vrindavan, there lived a young boy named Gopi. Gopi was known for his cheerful nature and a deep love for Lord Krishna. Every day, he would play his flute under a large, ancient tree, dreaming of one day meeting Krishna.
Gopi’s Desire for a Peacock Feather
One sunny afternoon, Gopi saw a beautiful peacock feather floating down the Yamuna river. He remembered that Lord Krishna always adorned His hair with a peacock feather. Filled with excitement, Gopi thought, “If I wear this feather, maybe I’ll be more like Krishna, and He will come to be my friend.”
Gopi placed the feather in his hair and strutted around the village, feeling very proud. He imagined that with the feather, he was closer to Krishna, even beginning to think he was better than his friends.
The Wise Old Woman
An old, wise woman in the village, known for her devotion to Krishna, noticed the change in Gopi. She called him over and asked, “Gopi, why do you wear that feather with such pride? Do you think it brings you closer to Lord Krishna?”
Gopi nodded eagerly, “Yes! Krishna wears a feather like this. I thought if I do the same, He might become my friend.”
The old woman smiled gently and said, “Gopi, Krishna is not just our Lord, but our eternal friend. He doesn’t come to us because of how we look or what we wear. He comes to those who are humble and pure in heart.”
The Story of Krishna and Sudama
To help Gopi understand, the wise woman told him the story of Krishna and His childhood friend Sudama. Sudama was very poor and humble, but he loved Krishna deeply. When Sudama visited Krishna, he brought nothing but a handful of beaten rice as a gift. Krishna, the Lord of the Universe, welcomed Sudama with open arms, not for the gift he brought, but for the love and humility in his heart.
Gopi’s Realization
Gopi listened intently and began to understand. “So, wearing this feather doesn’t make me special or dear to Krishna?”
The wise woman shook her head, “What makes you dear to Krishna is your love for Him, your humility, and your kindness to others. These are the qualities Krishna cherishes.”
A Change of Heart
Gopi removed the feather and decided to help his friends in the village instead of showing off. He shared stories of Krishna, played games with them, and helped the elderly. In doing so, he felt a profound happiness and closeness to Krishna.
The Lesson
The story of Little Gopi and the Peacock Feather teaches us that pridelessness and humility are essential qualities for one who wishes to be close to Krishna. It’s not the external symbols that matter, but the purity and love in our hearts.
Epilogue
Gopi, now humble and kind, felt Krishna’s presence in his heart every day. The villagers, inspired by Gopi’s transformation, began to embrace humility and love, making their village a place filled with joy, unity, and devotion to Krishna.