Yama goes about his
business
You have heard the story of Savitri, the loving wife who cleverly
saved her husband from the jaws of death. In the West you often
hear "the jaws of death," but, as you read in that story,
the "angel" of death in India is a genial gentleman
who can also grant favors, as he carries out his task. The name
of this god of Death is Yama.
Sri Krishna approaches Yama
You may be surprised to know that even God has to go to school! Yes, when he is born on earth, taking the form of a human child, what else will he do? He has to get his education. Sri Krishna, who was an "incarnation" or avatar of the Lord, had a schoolteacher whose name was Sandipani. When the only son of Sandipani and his wife fell ill and died, Krishna felt their sorrow deep in his heart.
Sandipani and his wife both knew that Krishna, their brilliant pupil, had divine power. So they begged him to restore their son to life. Sri Krishna's love and regard for them was so great that he went straight to Yama, the King of Death, and said to him, "I know that it is you who have charge of the souls of the dead. In the matter of death, everyone must bow to you. But do you know who has appointed you and where your power comes from? It really comes from Me, for I am not the schoolboy that you see: I am none other than the Supreme Person, Lord of the Universe and Master of its power. Therefore I ask you for the soul of Sandipani's son."
And Yama, recognizing his Master and saluting him, brought the boy back to life.
(Does it remind you of a story in the Bible?)
Come Sweet Death!
Persons who live in or near forests of India often make their living by gathering firewood. They tie it into bundles which are slung over their shoulders and carried on their backs to a market-place. One day an old man, out in the woods alone was picking up sticks. He greedily made a pile so large that, when it was tied, he found it too heavy to lift. Sweating and groaning he tried in vain to get it onto his back; the market was far, and the coming of dusk forbade a second trip.
Despair came over him. He thought of his lot in life -- so full of labor and poverty and pain -- and he began to long for death. Sitting on the ground he moaned and groaned an muttered to the god of Death to come and take him to the next world. Yama, in his mercy, heard the cry, appeared, and approached him in the forest.
"You summoned me?" said Yama, "What may I do for you?"
Swallowing hard, the woodsman answered, "I -- I just wanted you to help me put this load of wood onto my back!"
Be careful what you want: you just may get it!
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