Curious Ways of the Saints

Once during the rainy season a few holy men unexpectedly arrived at Kabir’s house. Due to the rains, Kabir had not been able to sell his cloth in the market and there was not enough food in the house for the guests. He asked his wife, Loi, if some grocer could be persuaded to give some floor and pulses on credit, which could be paid for on the next market day.

Loi went to several grocers, but they all insisted on cash payment. One grocer, however, agreed to give provisions on credit, on the condition that she spend the night with him. Shocked, Loi smiled at his ridiculous demand, which the grocer took as her consent and obliged her with the required groceries.

That evening, when the guests had left, Loi informed Kabir about her conversation with the grocer. Kabir, decided to use this as an opportunity to enlighten the grocer and make him aware of his folly, ordered Loi to get ready to go to the grocer’s house.

It was a rainy day and still drizzling. Kabir told Loi to cover herself with a blanket as protection from the rain; then he lifted her onto his shoulder and carried her through the streets.

The grocer was surprised to note that neither was Loi’s dress wet from the rain, nor were her feet muddy from the streets. He asked her how she had managed to keep her feet clean and she replied, ‘My husband covered me with a blanket and carried me on his shoulders to your house.’

The young grocer was astounded. Though the purity on Loi’s face, marked with a touch of sadness, moved him deeply, he still looked at her in disbelief. But when she added that Kabir was waiting outside to take her back, the grocer realized the state of his own degradation and the greatness of Kair. Falling on his knees, he begged her to forgive him and to take him to Kabir immediately. Kabir forgave the repentant grocer, who later became his disciple.

Saints have their own curious ways to draw souls into their fold.