One day,all the disciples went to their master’ and said, “Master, Master, we all are going on a pilgrimage.
Master: Why you want to go on a pilgrimage trip?
Disciples: So that we can improve our devotion.
Master: OK. Then do me a favour. Please take this Karela (bitter gourd) along with you and wherever you go and whichever temple you visit, place it in the alter of the Deity, take the blessings and bring it back.
So, not only the disciples but the Karela also went on pilgrimage, temple to temple.
And finally when they came back, the Master said, “cook that Karela and serve it to me.”
The disciples cooked it and served it to the master. After having the first bite, the master said,
“Surprising”!!!!!
Disciples: What’s so surprising?
Master: Even after the pilgrimage the karela is still bitter.
How come???’
Disciples: But that’s the very nature of the Karela, Master.
Master: That’s what I am saying. Unless you change your nature, pilgrimage will not make any difference.
So, you & I, if we do not change ourselves no teacher or guru can make a difference in our lives.
