Yesterday I came to see my mother from my in-laws place. While getting down from the town bus in steps my purse(with some valuable items) was pickpocketted in a sec. I have been traveling long distances alone, sometimes even at midnight. I was always proud telling my friends and relatives that no ill-fate touched me so far. But this incident shook my pride.
I wondered at the pickpocket’s skill. During the prayer time my mind prayed for him/her too. I understood no one can be totally free from the evils of the world in which one lives.
That day I took Sri Ramana’s life history book and read the episode of showering the grace on a thief who did harm to Mahrishi.
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Who are you? Dear pickpocket!
Male or female? Child or old?
Like a lame tiger you endanger
Yourself by your sheer hunt
Among humans of nature inhuman
Did your mother cruelly desert you on streets?
Did your father thrash you driving to streets?
Did not you find other bread-winning tracks?
Did not you learn skills other than these tricks?
Did no one tell you the effects of such act?
Did no one teach you how to use good tact?
Did not even our Bharatmata tell you that,
If you steal, in future, will reap fatal fete!
Haven’t you ever tasted the lure of pure mind?
Haven’t you ever enjoyed the joy of working hand?
Haven’t you ever desired to gain uplifting wisdom?
Haven’t you ever heard about heavenly kingdom?
My sister or ye my brother! Dear pickpocket!
Turn your eyes! Let them meet Her eyes of elegance!
Let your sin be washed away on the flood of Her grace!
Om! Lokah samastah sukhino Bhavanthu! Om Santhi!
Raman Savithiri
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/912-mother-save-the-pickpocket-too-260608/