The Sage and the Pilgrims

Festive Farewells

The village was adorned with a festive atmosphere as the landlord prepared for a pilgrimage. Numerous prominent villagers were set to accompany him to visit many holy places and worship the deities. They were certain that their travels would yield great spiritual benefits.

The Journey of the Pilgrims

In those days, there were no trains or buses to carry travelers to distant locations. They had to walk for long stretches, perhaps board a bullock cart for a brief period, or travel by boat when circumstances allowed. Therefore, it often took the pilgrims several months, and sometimes over a year, to reach their destinations and return home.

The Sage’s Refusal

As the villagers bid farewell to their landlord and his entourage, pride filled the air. They rejoiced that some among them were embarking on a religious journey, which would reflect honor back on the village upon their return. On the edge of the village, in a modest hut, resided a lonely man known to all as the sage; they revered him. Tukaram, the sage, had previously declined the landlord’s invitation to join the pilgrimage.

A Second Request

“O sage, I have come again to request your company,” the landlord implored Tukaram on the eve of his departure. “I assure you, I will ensure your comfort during the journey and cover all your expenses.”

“Thank you, but I see no purpose in undertaking such a long journey,” replied the sage.

“I am surprised to hear such words from a sage,” the landlord remarked. “Do you mean to say that no benefit arises from visiting holy places?”

Instead of responding, the sage simply smiled. When the landlord reiterated his question, Tukaram replied that he would provide an answer once the party returned from their pilgrimage.

The Sage’s Request

“But could you do me a favor?” asked the sage. “Please carry this small bundle with you. I request that you take it into all the temples you visit and dip it into the waters whenever you bathe in sacred rivers and lakes,” he explained, presenting the bundle.

The landlord’s party agreed to take it and promised to honor the sage’s request.

The Return

A year passed, and the pilgrims returned after successfully completing their journey. They had visited numerous holy spots and immersed themselves in several sacred rivers and lakes, all while carrying the sage’s bundle. Upon their return, the entire village warmly welcomed them, and Tukaram greeted them with equal enthusiasm, even arranging a feast in their honor.

The Feast and the Lesson

As the pilgrims sat down eagerly for dinner, they praised the rice and vegetables prepared by the sage. However, Tukaram kept reminding them, “Just wait for the last item; it will be remarkably sweet!” Curiosity hung in the air as they awaited this much-heralded treat.

Once they had finished their meal, Tukaram instructed one of his disciples to serve the anticipated final dish, a liquid served in small cups. The pilgrims were excited to savor every drop. Yet, upon tasting it, their faces contorted in disgust, revealing surprise.

“What is the matter? Is it not sweet?” asked the sage.

“Sweet? It is horrendously bitter, sir!” exclaimed the pilgrims.

The Bitter Truth

“How can this be?” asked the sage, feigning surprise.

“How was this item prepared, sir?” inquired the landlord.

“It was prepared with a bitter gourd, the very gourd I sent with you on your pilgrimage. It was carried into every temple you visited and dipped in all the holy waters. I had hoped its bitterness would transform into sweetness!” Tukaram explained.

The pilgrims fell silent, now understanding the message the sage was imparting: a mere visit to holy sites does not change one’s nature. This was why the sage had initially declined to accompany them.

Final Blessings

The pilgrims bowed in respect to Tukaram as they prepared to leave.

“I am sure your cases are different. The pilgrimage has undoubtedly changed you, unlike what it has done to the bitter gourd,” the sage remarked as he blessed them.

Despite their best efforts to appear transformed, those who were typically quarrelsome only seemed slightly less so, and the miserly were marginally more generous.