The enclosed narration of Mother Mirra’s teachings on courage, has been excerpted from her book: Words of Long Ago (Volume 2). Although the Mother intended these teachings for children, they hold valuable lessons for all of us sadhaks who are trying to grow out of our spiritual childhood into the higher consciousness of spiritual adulthood.
– Mother Mirra, Aurobindo Ashram
Whosoever is Courageous Can Give Courage to Others
Long, long ago, when Brahmadatta ruled in Benares, one of his enemies, king of another land, trained an elephant to wage war on him.
War was declared. The splendid elephant bore the king his master up to the walls of Benares. From the top of the walls, the people of the besieged city hurled down boiling hot liquids and shot stones with their slings. At first the elephant retreated before this terrifying rain.
But the man who had trained him ran towards him crying: “O elephant, you are a hero! Act like a hero and pull the gates to the ground!”
Encouraged by these words, the great creature charged and burst through the gates, leading his king to victory. This is how courage triumphs over obstacles and difficulties and opens the gates to victory.
And see how an encouraging word can give help to man and animal alike.
A good Muslim book gives us an example of this in the story of Abu Said, the poet with a brave heart.
His friends, who had learnt that he lay sick with fever, came one day to ask for news of his health. His son received them at the door of the house, a smile on his lips, for the patient was feeling better.
They came in and sat down in the sick man’s room and were surprised to hear him chatting with his usual good humour. Then, as it was a hot day, he fell asleep, and so did all the others. Towards evening, they all awoke. Abu Said ordered refreshments to be served to his guests and incense to be lit so that the room might be filled with fragrance. Abu Said prayed for a while, then he rose and recited a little poem of his own composition:
Despair not in your grief, for a joyous hour will come and take it all away;
The burning simoon may blow, and yet change into a gentle breeze;
A dark cloud may rise, but it passes away and brings no flood;
A fire may kindle and yet be smothered, leaving chest and casket untouched;
Pain comes but also goes.
Therefore be patient when troubles come, for Time is the father of wonders;
And from the peace of God hope for many blessings to come.
They all returned to their homes delighted and strengthened by this beautiful poem of hope. And so it was that a sick man helped his friends in good health.
Whosoever is courageous can give courage to others, just as the flame of one candle can light another. Therefore learn to encourage others, and be courageous yourselves.
PART 5: What is Courage? The Ability to Be Calm in the Face of Danger – Two stories by Mother Mirra which highlight that courage means the ability to keep one’s wits and remain unperturbed in the face of dangers.
