Based on The Faith Book by Kadamba Kanana Swami
The Lost Egg by the Sea
Once upon a time, a delicate bird laid her eggs upon the shore, unaware that the mighty ocean, with its playful waves, could become cruel. One day, while she was away gathering twigs for her nest, a fierce wave swept in and carried her precious eggs into its depths.
When the mother bird returned, she found the nest empty, the sand wet, and her heart shattered.
A Cry to the Depths
She flew to the edge of the sea, flapping her tiny wings in fury. “Give them back!” she cried. “You thief! My children are in your belly!” But the ocean roared back in laughter, indifferent to her pain.
The little bird made a vow: “If you will not return my eggs, I shall empty you drop by drop.”
A Feat Beyond Strength
Without hesitation, she began. She flew to the water, dipped her beak, and dropped a single droplet far away. Again and again, she returned. Day after day, she continued her task. Birds mocked her. The wind jeered. But she did not stop.
She did not care that her wings grew tired, or that the sea seemed endless. Her love for her unborn children was boundless, and so was her determination.
The Divine Response
Word of her impossible vow reached the heavens. The demigods were moved. And Garuḍa—the great bird carrier of Lord Viṣṇu—descended with furious grace.
He faced the ocean and thundered, “Return the eggs now, or I will drink you dry!”
The sea trembled in fear. Waves retreated. From its depths, the eggs were brought forth, still intact, and returned to the mother bird.
The Lesson of Unshakeable Faith
This story is not about a bird and her eggs alone. It is about the power of steady determination in devotion. The bird knew she was small. The ocean was vast. But love gave her wings of courage.
In the same way, when we serve the Lord with unwavering faith—even if we are weak or insignificant—the Lord will send Garuḍa, or come Himself, to fulfill our efforts.
A Verse to Remember
ananyāś cintayanto māṁ
ye janāḥ paryupāsate
teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ
yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham“Those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion—I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.”
— Bhagavad-gītā 9.22
