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Something that is done with a motive or intention is termed as ‘Karma’ or Action (activity). But, that done without any sort of intention is called a ‘Lila’ or ‘Sport’. We enjoy the activities of a child as belonging to the latter type. It is devoid of even the least trace of selfishness. Even the activities of a devotee are ‘Lilas’. They are always deeply immersed in the loving devotion of the Lord and hence their activities are beyond the realm of worldliness and are mere sports.

The ‘Avadhuta’ devotee Nityananda too was in such a state. All his activities, speech and gait were weird. His language was never like that of ordinary men. He loved everybody like a child. He feared none, and never felt shy before anybody, whether he roamed about start naked or was clothed by others, he was oblivious of either. He remained a child even when he was twenty-two years old. He ate only if Srivas Pundits’ wife Malati Devi fed him like a child. Sometimes he would get angry and throw tantrums like a child. How much ever Gauranga consoled or pacified him, it would be of no use. He roamed about without body-consciousness.

One day when Srivas Pundit was having his food standing in the courtyard of his house, a crow flew away taking the ghee-lamp (vessel) along with it. Malati Devi felt very sad on seeing this. Noticing the mother’s agony, Nityananda ran towards the crow like a small boy and showing a piece of eatable to it, he started singing like a musician.

“Brother Crow! Come here! Eat this pudding! Take this piece of cake and give my lamp back! Poor mother is crying bitterly! My dear one! Come here”.

As he sang thus nodding his head, the crow really came near and dropping the copper vessel in his hands, flew away. The mother was overjoyed at the sight. Soon, Nityananda laughed aloud and sang to his mother --
“I brought the vessel back
You give the sweet to me” and the mother laughed at his childish behaviour.

To be continued...

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