SATHYA (Truth) - 2. Swamis Core Teaching and The Story of King Harishchandra:

 

The Story of King Harishchandra: The King Who Never Gave Up Truth

Sairam. As a humble devotee and seeker on the path shown by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, I often find myself reflecting on his profound teachings about Sathya—Truth. In the quietude of Puttaparthi, where the gentle breeze carries the echoes of his loving words, the essence of Truth feels ever-present, inviting us to live with authenticity, courage, and love.

Sathya Sai Baba often declared:

“God is the truth, the only truth. In every article or thing, God is, as the basis, as understanding and understandability, as the source of Divine light, as Atma. Know that All exists, has awareness and bliss because of the Atma which All is.”

But what does it truly mean to live in Truth? Is it merely the act of not telling lies, or is there a deeper, more luminous meaning?

1.     The Story of King Harishchandra 

Once upon a time, in a land full of green trees, singing birds, and happy people, there lived a king named Harishchandra. He was not just any king—he was a king who loved truth more than anything in the world. His palace was big, his garden was beautiful, and his people loved him very much because he was always honest, kind, and fair.

The Happy Kingdom

King Harishchandra lived with his lovely queen, Shaivya, and their sweet little boy, Rohitashva. Every morning, the king would wake up before the sun, pray to God, and promise, “Today, I will speak the truth, think the truth, and act with truth.” His heart was pure, and his mind was always filled with good, honest thoughts.

His people were happy because their king was good. He made sure everyone had food, a place to live, and felt safe. The kingdom was peaceful, and everyone respected King Harishchandra.

The Test of Truth

But one day, something happened that would change everything.

A wise sage named Vishwamitra wanted to see if King Harishchandra was really as truthful as everyone said. Sage Vishwamitra was very powerful, and he could do magic. He thought, “Let me see if Harishchandra can keep his promise to always be truthful, even when life is very hard.”

So, one day, while King Harishchandra was walking in the forest, he heard a woman crying for help. The king, always ready to help, ran towards the sound. But it was a trick! The sound was made by a magical being to disturb the sage’s meditation.

When the king arrived, he accidentally disturbed Sage Vishwamitra’s prayers. The sage became very upset. King Harishchandra was sorry and said, “Please forgive me, wise one. I did not mean to disturb you. Tell me what I can do to make things right.”

Sage Vishwamitra said, “If you are truly sorry, give me your kingdom as a gift.”

King Harishchandra did not hesitate. He knew he had made a mistake, and he wanted to keep his promise of truth. So, he took off his crown, his royal clothes, and gave his whole kingdom to the sage. Now, he had nothing—no palace, no gold, nothing at all.

Leaving the Palace

Queen Shaivya and little Rohitashva stood by the king. They were sad, but they loved the king and knew he was doing the right thing. The people of the kingdom cried when their king left, but Harishchandra said, “Do not be sad. Truth is more important than being a king. As long as we have truth in our hearts, we have everything.”

The family walked away from the palace, wearing simple clothes. They did not know where they would go or what they would eat, but they trusted in God and in the power of truth.

The Second Test

But Sage Vishwamitra was not finished. He said, “You must also give me money for a special prayer ceremony. You have one month to pay me.”

King Harishchandra had no money left. He and his family wandered from place to place, hungry and tired. Little Rohitashva cried because he was hungry. Queen Shaivya tried to comfort him.

After many days, they reached the holy city of Kashi. But Sage Vishwamitra was already there, waiting. He said, “The month is over. Where is my money?”

King Harishchandra was worried. He had nothing left to give. Queen Shaivya said, “You can sell me as a servant. Use the money to pay the sage.”

The king’s heart broke, but he knew his wife was right. So, with tears in his eyes, he sold Queen Shaivya to a kind old man. Little Rohitashva would not leave his mother, so he went with her. The king used the money to pay Sage Vishwamitra.

But the sage said, “It is not enough. You must pay more.”

The King Becomes a Servant

Now, King Harishchandra had nothing left—no kingdom, no family, no money. He decided to sell himself as a servant to pay the rest. A man who worked at the cremation ground—a place where people bring their loved ones who have passed away—agreed to buy him.

King Harishchandra became a worker at the cremation ground. His job was to collect fees from families who came to do the last rites for their loved ones. It was a hard and sad job, but the king did it with honesty and never complained.

Every day, he remembered his promise: “I will always be truthful in my thoughts, words, and actions.” Even though he was tired and hungry, he never let bad thoughts enter his mind. He prayed for his wife and son and hoped they were safe.

The Hardest Test

One day, something very sad happened. Queen Shaivya came to the cremation ground, carrying the body of their son, Rohitashva. The boy had died from a snake bite. Both parents cried, but they knew they had to be strong.

Queen Shaivya wanted to perform the last rites for her son, but King Harishchandra, still true to his duty, said, “I am sorry, but you must pay the fee.”

Queen Shaivya had no money. She tore a piece from her sari to pay the fee. The king accepted it, even though his heart was breaking. He knew he had to be fair to everyone, even to his own family.

The Miracle

As they cried together, something amazing happened. The gods appeared in the sky, shining with bright light. Sage Vishwamitra was there too. He smiled and said, “King Harishchandra, you have passed every test. You gave up your kingdom, your family, your happiness, but you never gave up truth. Your heart and mind stayed pure, even when life was very hard.”

The gods brought Rohitashva back to life. The family hugged each other and cried tears of joy. The gods said, “You are a true hero, King Harishchandra. Because of your truth, you are blessed forever.”

The people of the kingdom also appeared, and the gods said, “Because you cared for your people, they will be with you in heaven.”

The Lesson of Truth in Thought

King Harishchandra became famous forever as the king who never gave up truth. He taught everyone that truth is not just about what you say or do. It starts in your heart and mind. Even when nobody is watching, you must keep your thoughts pure and honest.

When you think good thoughts, you feel peaceful and strong. Even if life is hard, if you keep truth in your heart, God will always help you.

What We Learn

• Truth starts in our thoughts. If we think honest thoughts, it is easy to speak and act truthfully.
• Even when life is hard, never give up truth. God is always watching and will help you.
• Being truthful brings peace and happiness, even if you lose everything else.
• A pure heart is the greatest treasure.

Final Blessing

Dear friend, remember King Harishchandra whenever you feel scared to tell the truth or when you are tempted to think a bad thought. Close your eyes and pray, “Baba, help me keep my thoughts pure and honest”. If you do this, your heart will be a shining temple of truth, and you will feel the love of God always.

This is the story of King Harishchandra—the king who never gave up truth, not even in his thoughts. May we all try to be like him, in our hearts, every day.

Living Sathya: The Challenge and the Grace

Living in Truth is not always easy. Swami acknowledged that the world often tempts us to compromise, to speak what is convenient rather than what is right. Yet, he urged us never to give up Truth under any circumstances—even if it means facing hardships, as exemplified by the legendary King Harischandra, who sacrificed everything but never abandoned Truth.

Swami also emphasized the manner in which Truth is spoken. He taught:

·        Satyam Bruyaat—Speak the Truth.

·        Priyam Bruyaat—Speak it in a loving, pleasing way.

·        Na Bruyaat Satyam Apriyam—But never speak truth in a hurtful or unkind way.

Truth is not just a word—it is the light that illumines our path to God. When we live in Truth, we become instruments of peace and love in the world.

A Daily Practice: Truth as a Living Prayer

Swami’s guidance is simple, yet transformative:

·        Start the day with love

•   Fill the day with love.

·        End the day with love.

·        Let Truth flow from a heart filled with love.

When our thoughts, words, and actions are in harmony, we are living embodiments of Sathya. In doing so, we honor the divinity within ourselves and in all beings.

A Heartfelt Prayer

May we, inspired by Bhagawan’s example and these timeless stories, strive each day to speak and live the Truth. May our hearts be so full of love that our words and deeds become a reflection of the divine. And may Truth, like a gentle lamp, guide us always—back to the source, back to the Self, back to God.

Sathya is not just a value. It is the very breath of life, the song of the soul, and the path to peace. Let us walk it, together. 

Om Sai Ram.🙏🙏🙏