Heavier Than the Earth

Long ago, the five Pandava brothers lived in a forest. The eldest was Yudhishthira. He was calm, patient and wise.

One warm afternoon, he went looking for water. Soon he reached a clear, quiet lake. Lotus flowers floated on it. A cool breeze touched his face.

Yudhishthira bent down to drink. Just then, a gentle voice spoke. It came from a tall white crane, standing in the water.

"Wait, friend," said the voice. "This is my lake. First answer my questions. Then you may drink."

Yudhishthira did not mind at all. He sat down on the soft grass. "Please ask," he said. "I will try my best."

The lake was still, and everything listened.

"What is faster than the wind?" asked the voice.

Yudhishthira thought for a moment. "The mind," he said. "In one blink, the mind can fly anywhere."

"Good," said the voice. "What is more in number than the grass?"

"Our thoughts," said Yudhishthira. "They come up everywhere, just like grass."

The lake was still, and everything listened.

"Now tell me," said the voice. "What is heavier than the earth?"

Yudhishthira smiled softly. "A mother," he said. "The earth holds all of us. But a mother holds her child in her body and in her heart. She is greater than the earth."

The voice was quiet for a moment. Then it asked, "And what is higher than the sky?"

"A father," said Yudhishthira. "He lifts his child up high. His care reaches even above the sky."

The lake was still, and everything listened.

The voice was very happy. "You are wise, Yudhishthira," it said. "Drink now, and rest."

Yudhishthira cupped the cool water in his hands. It was fresh and clear. He sat by the lake a little longer. The lotus flowers swayed. The crane spread its wings and flew softly into the sky.

He thought of his own mother, and he smiled.