The Soul of Friendship | Have a beautiful Friendship Day
The Soul of Friendship
Can you imagine a body without soul? You won’t take a moment to think about your reply. No one can imagine a soulless being. Likewise, friendship, the eternal bond, also has a soul. Understand the attributes of this beautiful soul by the timeless story of friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama.
The story is a shining example of real friendship. The tale describes the rare bond of selfless love between two friends. Very few connections can be compared to this oneness. Both were childhood friends and schoolmates. Both took education at a Gurukul and studied under the guidance of Guru Sandipani.
At Gurukul Lord Krishna asked, will you be my friend, Sudama? Sudama said, I am a poor Brahmin and you are from a royal background. Friends help each other, but I have nothing to offer you. So, we cannot become friends.
To this Lord Krishna said, promise me that we will always be friends, come what may, and I promise that as your friend, I will never ask you for anything you cannot offer.
And so, Sudama accepted Lord Krishna’s offer and this friendship turned out to be one of the most beautiful stories.
A Story of Empathy, Love and Trust
The story of their bond is all about love, empathy, care, trust and loyalty with a profound lesson for everyone. Sudama was dirt poor while Lord Krishna was a king.
No difference could hamper the bond between Lord Krishna and Sudama.
Even after losing touch for many years, they did not leave the hope of meeting again. Sudama always had his friend in his heart and soul. The entire episode when Sudama met Lord Krishna after many years is so touching.
No one can hold tears while listening to this episode and thinking of their pure bond.
When Sudama went to meet Lord Krishna, He ran to the gate leaving everything behind with tears in His eyes. He was so pleased and eager to meet His old friend.
A Selfless and Pure Connection
Lord Krishna hugged Sudama without any pre notions. That emotional outburst out of sheer respect feels like the foundation of the term ‘Friendship’. When Lord Krishna met Sudama, He asked gently, what was the reason for visiting Dwarka? Sudama, replied softly, he visited just to meet Him and he does not have any requirement.
Sudama had brought a humble gift for his friend, but he felt ashamed of the modest flattened rice he had brought. But Lord Krishna took the bag of rice, and affectionately put a handful of the tasteless rice in his mouth. He ate it with immense relish.
When Sudama reached home after meeting Lord Krishna, he could not find his humble hut. Instead, his wife came out from a huge palace. Sudama never told Lord Krishna about his deprived situation, but He understood that and gave wealth to his dear friend.
Needless to say Sudama’s life was transformed after meeting his friend.
The beautiful story of Lord Krishna and Sudama showcases the real meaning and value of Friendship. Ahead of the Friendship Day, inscribe this story in your heart and try to instill the virtues of a real friend in yourself.
The Soul of Friendship
Understand that the soul of friendship is positioned in Righteousness, Sharing, Mutual Respect, Faithfulness and Trust.
Imbibe these qualities and consider creating the bond of friendship a spiritual practice as well that requires patience, sacrifice, and nurturing.
It is a life-enriching relationship in which our personalities get refined and we understand our strengths and weaknesses. It’s a gift from God as He doesn’t want us to stay isolated.
So, be a good friend, choose your friends wisely and know that friendship is actually an important part of your spiritual growth that ensures your wellbeing, peace and happiness.
Have a beautiful Friendship Day!
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