A Father’s Unwavering Love

It's time for Thursday Tale Time (TTT 24/2024).

On this day, I shall unveil a story from Osho's disclosure known as "Nahin Ram Bin Thaon."

You should hear the beautiful story of Jesus. It's truly special. Considering Jesus' emphasis on love, that story serves as an obvious example.

Jesus would often tell a story about a father who had two sons. The father was extremely wealthy. While one son was obedient to his father, the other exhibited a rebellious nature. One person would grow their income while the other person would waste and diminish it.

In the end, there was no alternative except to separate these two sons. The money was divided into two equal portions. The eldest son remained with his father and used the money to invest in business, purchase fields, and create gardens. The moment he got the money, the younger son disappeared from the village. It wasn't long before word got out that he had recklessly gambled away all his money, indulged in excessive drinking, and squandered his earnings on the performances of prostitutes.

The father sent a message to return home. The younger son, who had departed from his family, was a reckless gambler and alcoholic. He doubted his father could ever reach out to him, even after he had lost everything. If there's a theft, you trust it. If there is hatred, you have faith in it. Love is such a rare thing that it is not seen anywhere!

The son, too, didn't believe it. Despite this, he had fallen into deep poverty and was now begging for survival. In his thoughts, he considered, "I must return!" Rather than begging, I will choose to stay in a corner of the house. That seems like a better option.

Upon hearing of his son's arrival, the father celebrated with immense enthusiasm. He made preparations for sweets and food. He extended an invitation to the entire village for the meal.

As the elder son made his way back from the field, villagers commented on his misfortune, saying it was too much. Despite being present in the house and serving your father, you've never been welcomed like this before with carpets, bands, and a feast. Your younger brother, who caused chaos, is finally coming back, and preparations are underway to greet him. Come along and join in the welcome.

The air is filled with the warm glow of ghee lamps, the lively sounds of bands playing, and the joyful chatter of gathered guests. At the entrance of the village, the father waits for his younger son. The elder son also felt a sense of sadness and emotional pain. After going home, he sat down with a heavy heart.

When the father came back with his younger son, who had run away, he noticed the older son was sad and inquired about the reason. The elder son stated that sadness is a natural state of being. Despite serving you, I am never greeted. I am generating income for you. I've earned four times the amount of money you gave me. My younger brother is returning after blowing all his money, and surprisingly, he is being greeted with open arms. The father shared some insights that are worth grasping.

The father's words emphasized that love does not distinguish between those who earn and those who do not. Love is constant for those who are close. Love strives to bridge the gap between those who have become distant. You're doing fantastic, no need for any special celebration, my blessings are continuously flowing for you. However, for the one who has lost their way, specific measures must be taken to provide them with reassurance.

Jesus used to say that love is not driven by ambition, but by selflessness. This is what I tell you. There are no expectations or conditions attached to love. Love desires nothing in return from the child. Love longs to discover the innocence of God within the child, seeking nothing in return. We are not simply concerned with what the child does, but rather with the state of their soul. Demonstrating love to your brother is a way to uplift his soul and enable him to understand the true essence of life.

Jesus also shared another brief parable that was related to the father's behavior in the previous story. After bringing his flock of sheep back home in the evening, a shepherd realizes that one sheep is missing. Determined to find it, he sets off into the dark forest, leaving the rest of the sheep behind. Instead of worrying about the thousand, he focuses on finding the one sheep that has strayed. Upon finding the stray sheep, he lifts it onto his shoulders and brings it back.

What learning we have from this story?

I was astonished by the father's reaction to his misbehaving younger son in the story. If we examine how society treats individuals like the younger son in the parable. Those individuals are disregarded by us. We create space for those individuals. Our hearts are filled with negativity towards such individuals. There is a lack of loving response for such individuals.

In essence, the story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of unconditional love, forgiveness, and compassion. It teaches that love should be free from demands and expectations, focusing instead on the inherent worth and potential of each individual.