One's own duty is the best

Thatha told, “Once upon a time there was a Brahmin called Vishnu. Vishnu learnt a little about doing meditation from one of his friends. He then went to the forest and started practicing Austerities using whatever he has learnt. One day when he was doing meditation a crow disturbed him a lot. He opened his eyes and stared at the crow. The crow was burnt to ashes. Vishnu then became very proud and decided within himself, that he has become an expert in Thapas.” Maithree asked , “Was he too proud , Thatha?””

Thatha continued, “Yes darling. He then went to a near by village and went to a big house. Then he shouted, “A great sage has come, please give me food.” A lady replied back from inside, “Wait, I would come as soon as I complete my job.”

After an hour she came out and gave him some food. By this time Vishnu was very angry. He stared at that lady.”

Then lady asked “Do you think you can burn me like the crow?”

Vishnu was surprised and asked her, “What do you mean?” She replied “ I have a sick husband and a child .I was looking after them. Any other duty is only after my duty is attended to. You are still learning religion. If you want to know more about it, go to the village butcher.” Maithree told”Butcher means, he who cuts animals. Thatha , what will he know about religion?”

Thatha replied, “ That was the thought Vishnu also . But he went to the butcher’s house. The butcher saw him and told, “So you have come to learn religion from me. Please wait. I have work to do.” The butcher then went inside his hut and gave bath to his very old parents. He fed them food and put them to sleep. This took several hours. Vishnu became very impatient but still he waited. When the butcher came he told Vishnu.” What my religion tells me is first to do my duties. One of my important duties is to take care of my parents. The lady’s duty was to take care of her husband and children. Instead of you, even if the king or God comes, we both would not have come out. Because our duty is more important than anything. This is what our God Krishna has told in Gita” Maithree and Rohan chorused, “Our duty first and then only everything else.”