It fills my heart to think of the monkey chief taking care of his tribe. Leadership is surely an opportunity to serve, and the monkey chief certainly did that, at whatever the cost might be.
Thank you for this lovely story; it gives me much to think about. I will remember and contemplate the sacrifice of the monkey king.
Virginia, USA
After I read the entire story, all I could think of was Gurumayi's love and sacrifice. For me, everything I see here represents Gurumayi's love in action, uplifting me by imparting scriptural knowledge through her teachings. I have experienced her guidance protecting my life, my heart, and my mind many times.
Gurumayi, my life belongs to you—to serve you, and to express my love in action.
Thane West, India
I am especially drawn to the simple and beautiful paintings of this story. I feel the innocence of childhood when I look at the bubbling stream and lively expressions of the monkeys and the king. Within the magic of the story and the paintings, I am able to experience its wisdom and deep mystery.
Thank you, beloved Gurumayi, for presenting a story for people of all ages.
Washington, USA
What a lovely story. I was very moved by the Monkey King taking his last breath so soon after the selfless act of kindness he offered to the other monkeys, and in doing so, being an example of love that changed the king's life.
I pray that my last breath, and all those until that one, will be used to serve humanity and that I too will have made a difference in the lives of others.
Thank you for this sweet reminder.
California, USA
I noticed that after the king had feasted on the mangoes, which were a gift from God, he suddenly started saying that the mangoes were his. I was taken aback by his repeatedly referring to them as "my mangoes." This reminded me that when I claim ownership of things that truly are not mine, I lose my understanding of the true source of such gifts.
New Mexico, USA
During and after
A Sweet Surprise Satsang, I feel I was somehow like these monkeys—living happily, savoring delicious, golden fruit in the form of the teachings and grace I had received.
The first part of the story reminds me that, even in times of joy, it is good to stay vigilant and attentive by witnessing how things evolve, and seeing how I can watch over the golden fruit of my experience of Gurumayi’s teachings. It reminds me that each of my attainments on the path should be protected with love and understanding.
One of the things I do now to preserve the golden fruit that I receive is repeat the words of Gurumayi’s Message to myself immediately before and after doing my other spiritual practices. This daily remembrance infuses all my practices with inspiration and the strength to be steadfast.
Ramonville-Saint-Agne, France
Reading the story again and again led me to think deeply. I felt that the monkey chief was so kind and generous and acted as a parent to the whole tribe—by selecting the best tree for their dwelling and also by taking care of their daily food. I was inspired by his example to ask myself some questions: Am I kind to the same extent? Do I need to shift my approach to experiencing joy? Is my family limited to only certain people? What more can I do for my larger family of Siddha Yogis all over the world? In what way can I offer
seva to the Siddha Yoga Guru, Gurumayi, who so generously teaches and guides me and all the students on the Siddha Yoga path?
Dombivli, India
On reading the second half of this story, my eyes streamed with tears and my heart opened. I feel so grateful to Gurumayi, who has dedicated her life to uplifting others and who serves as a bridge for me to protection and freedom. I can feel how much she loves us and wants us to experience Self-realization. I know that my effort is to incorporate her teachings into my life and to offer
seva from my heart.
Yeovil, United Kingdom
I was so eagerly waiting for the second part of this story, and here it is!
Such a profound teaching—my heart is moist with the generosity of the monkey chief. This story shows me the importance of having a clear vision about the future and of making love manifest. The teachings and posts on the Siddha Yoga path website serve as a support for me in many life situations.
Thank you so much, Gurumayi, from all my heart!!
New Delhi, India
What stands out for me as I read this story is learning that the king actually has a longing to experience meaning in his life. As I see it, he has tried to experience meaning in many ways that are unsuccessful and sometimes have negative effects on others. I am inspired when his longing is finally fulfilled through having the
darshan of the monkey chief and receiving his transformative teachings.
This story reminds me of the immeasurable value of having a true Guru in my life to guide me from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge, from acting in ways that benefit only myself to acting in ways that benefit all.
California, USA
Like King Brahmadatta, I was touched by the monkey chief’s sacrifice and wisdom. For me, this lovely story was a powerful reminder that joy and meaning in my life come not through satisfying desires, but through offering loving service and kindness to others. Reading the story, I remembered times in my life when offering to others has taken me from feeling uneasy, like Brahmadatta, to feeling deeply happy. The story has already inspired me today to choose loving actions.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
Massachusetts, USA
The selfless action of the monkey chief reminded me that, for me, the highest good of all is to serve with the well-being of others foremost in my mind. This is of utmost importance to me, and I have faith that this kind of action has a beneficial impact that can be far-reaching.
I also understood from the story that, when I align with the guidance and protection extended to me through the Guru’s grace, these blessings continue to extend through me to my loved ones and the world around me.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your grace.
Berlin, Germany
Benevolence, wisdom, compassion, bravery, and gentleness—qualities I find in the monkey chief—are only some of the many qualities I value in my Guru. I am deeply grateful for Gurumayi’s grace and teachings, which have led me for the past 12 years.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
Nairobi, Kenya
Thank you for introducing us to this story from the
Jataka Tales. This one reminds me of Baba because of what I’ve heard about his love for mangoes. I felt his shining face enveloping me.
I am looking forward to finding out how everything will turn out. I’m hoping the outcome will bring benefit to all—both humans and monkeys.
Katzenbach, Germany
I was inspired to study the teachings on the Siddha Yoga path website in connection with the word
move from Gurumayi’s Message and with the title of the audio
satsang "Love in Action."
As I reflected on the words
move and
love in the context of this story, I observed that the monkey chief is moved to action by benevolent love. I see that, in response, the monkeys of his tribe trustingly and lovingly follow his command—offering their service by removing the flowers and young fruit. To me, both the monkey chief and the monkeys exemplify love in action.
The king, on the other hand, seems to me to be moved by selfish desire. He does not hesitate to poison his servant if this is needed to test the fruit. He seems to move only for the pleasure of his senses.
I can't wait to see how the story unfolds between Brahmadatta and the monkey chief.
Montreal, Canada
My four–year-old son was amazed to see the beautiful, colorful paintings in this story. He is looking forward to hearing what happens with the Bodhisattva in Part II. As a mother, I feel blessed that the content of the Siddha Yoga path website is child-friendly. As a student of this path, I feel that the
Bodhisattva is like the Guru. I consider my Guru's guidance to be for my benefit, and I realize that I have to take responsibility to incorporate her guidance into my life so that I can experience long-lasting joy.
Thane West, India
The monkey chief’s benevolent leadership and foresight are inspiring. In my role as a parent, I am especially interested to see the active role he takes in the effort to keep his tribe safe. I seek to apply the qualities of foresight and benevolence as I make the effort to guide my children and family, focusing on the actions we can take in the present to create a beneficial future.
California, USA