Once five people were going through the forest. One was a Moslem, one a Hindu, one a Christian, one a politician and one a peasant farmer. This marvellous combination of people travelled for some time together. As they went through the forest they came across an enormous bird, which suddenly called out.

Since they were idle they stopped to argue about what the bird had told them. You can guess that they all had completely different interpretations about what kind of natural ‘signs’ are given to people through the voice of that big bird.The Hindu spoke first: “The bird said we should believe in Rama, Lakshman and Dasharat. You heard him say clearly, ‘Ram Lakshman Dasharat.’”

“You don’t know anything!” the Moslem said angrily. “First you must understand the language of animals if you want to interpret their speech. This bird said loud and clear, ‘Allah, Mohammed, Hadjarat…’ ”

“No, of course not!” he was contradicted by the Christian. “We are on Christian land and this bird knows nothing of Islam or Hinduism. The bird said clearly, ‘Father, Son and Holy Spirit.’”

“You are all religious fanatics and only hear what you like!” said the politician, crossing his arms and smiling arrogantly. “You must begin to use your minds. Didn’t you hear the bird eloquently say, ‘Replace the government now! Replace the government now!’”

“You people all live in the city and have no idea what nature is,” said the farmer. “The bird told me that the carrots are ripe and then it said that it’s past time for me to harvest them because the rabbits are going to eat them all.”

We do not know what the bird said, but there were as many ideas about it as there were brains. And even we, here at this satsang, we have the same situation: I am here, one in front of you, and there are hundreds of you watching me with your eyes and understanding me in a variety of ways. And each of you will understand me only as much as the capacity of your wisdom will allow.

However you understand me though, I’ll tell you this: when you fulfil your dharma, your duty to others, you will successfully pass through the delusion as well.

Taken from the publication: "From the Darkness into the Light", a book of satsang stories from the Masters, as told by Sri Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, available for sale at Seminars or online here.