Once there was a man who had left his home and village for ten long years. He journeyed deep into the Himalayas, seeking the company of powerful yogīs and sages. His aim was to learn the mystic perfections, or siddhis, described in the yoga-śāstras. With great determination and austerity, he trained under various masters in the icy caves and silent forests of the Himalayas.
After ten years of intense practice, the man returned to his native village. Naturally, when someone achieves something extraordinary, he feels a desire to demonstrate it before friends, relatives, and fellow villagers. So, too, did this man wish to display his achievement.
Upon his return, the entire village gathered, excited and curious. The villagers asked him eagerly, “O dear friend, you have been gone for ten years. What have you learned during this time? Please tell us!”
The man replied with pride, “I have achieved laghimā-siddhi, the yogic perfection by which one becomes lighter than the lightest. As a result of this siddhi, I can now walk over water.”
The villagers were astonished and intrigued. “You can walk over the river?” they exclaimed. “Please, show us! We are all very eager to see this amazing feat!”
Agreeing to their request, the yogi said, “Come tomorrow morning, and I shall demonstrate it.”
The next morning, all the villagers gathered at the riverside. There was much excitement in the air. Among them was an old man, a wise and seasoned elder. As the yogi stood poised to walk upon the water, the old man came forward and spoke.
“My dear sir,” the old man said, “You have practiced austerities in the Himalayas for ten years just to gain this ability to walk on water?”
The yogi, a bit annoyed, replied, “Yes. This is the fruit of my long tapasya. I have mastered this mystic power.”
The old man chuckled gently and said, “Then I must say, this siddhi is worth only two cents.”
“Two cents!?” the yogi retorted, visibly upset. “You dare say this is only worth two cents after all my laborious practice?”
The old man smiled and calmly responded, “Yes, because for two cents I can simply pay the boatman and cross the river. Why waste ten years?”
At this, the villagers burst into laughter. The yogi was humbled, for the old man had spoken with deep wisdom.
Lesson to Be Learned
Mystic powers may appear glorious, but in comparison to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they are insignificant. Real spiritual life is not about displaying magical abilities, but about developing love and devotion to Lord Kṛṣṇa, which is far beyond any yogic siddhi. As Śrīla Prabhupāda said, “These things are two-cent worth in comparison to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Don’t be after them.”
Origin of the Story
Quoted by Śrīla A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Ref. VedaBase® => Bhagavad-gītā 4.13–14 — New York, August 1, 1966
