One day, the great sage Durvasa was crossing a river with his disciple. As he was about to reach the shore, he noticed a scorpion struggling against the flow of the river. He bent down and picked up the scorpion, immediately, the scorpion stung his hand and he started bleeding. However, the sage went ashore and set down the scorpion safely under a tree. The scorpion stung the sage one more time before he set him down. 

Rishi Durvasa was bleeding and in great pain, however, his demeanour was calm and collected. His disciple, who was witness to this whole incident, questioned his Guru, “O great sage, when you knew that the scorpion will sting you, why did you rescue it? This scorpion is a noxious creature and it does not deserve to live, yet you set it down gently so that it could live.”

The Great sage Durvasa replied, “Stinging and causing pain is the natural instinct of the scorpion. It cannot change its base nature; it will only act according to its basic instinct. However, my Guru and my study of the Shastra (Holy Word) has taught me to be kind, gentle and helpful. This teaching has now become a part of who I am as a human being. Therefore, this has now become my base nature. So, I will follow my nature and the scorpion will follow his. My nature granted life to another creature and his nature caused pain and suffering. Can you decide and tell me, which nature is better to cultivate?” [Excerpt from the Anugraha Bhaashan of Shree Krishnananda Theertha Mahaswamigal.]

Yes, most of us have come across some kind of noxious creature(s) in our lives, and invariably they cause us pain, loss or grief. However, we cannot pass judgement on such people. They will do only what is true to their character. The one who lies, deceives, cheats, defames and pulls down others, has these same qualities stored within him. You can only give what you possess, or what is inside you, and hence they continue to cause hurt and harm to other people. 

While none of us are blemish free, we can strive and aspire to rise to the highest standards that a human being can rise up to. Our prayers hold within them, the source and the substance of such a change. It is a long and hard road towards developing the discipline to say your prayers, to read the scriptures and to walk the path of Asha (Righteousness). 

I cannot sufficiently stress the benefit of doing your kusti each and every day. It is the one act that purifies, guides and strengthens your spirit. So many of us have abandoned this basic practice which is our glorious inheritance from the time that our Navjote is done. We have to seek the tremendous merits of being in connect with Pak Dadar Ahura Mazda. It is only His divine guidance that will lead us to find deep wells of compassion, generosity and radiance within ourselves. Do your kusti every day, it is the path that will lead you to find a richness in your life which will transcend all pain, sorrow and suffering. 

Through the holy vibrations of the Kusti prayers let us cultivate the habit of Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds!