In the Satsang of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, once His close Satsangi Premraj complained to Him - Mahaprabhu! I see that Bhanuprasad, a Satsangi, applies chilli powder in his eyes to sham tears.
Mahaprabhu felt that this needed to be corrected immediately as he had always taught his disciples not to pretend or sham in the Satsang. So he called for Bhanuprasad.
Mahaprabhu asked him - Bhanuprasad, why do you apply chilli powder in your eyes to sham tears? Don't you know that shamming is not allowed in the Satsang?
Bhanuprasad said - Mahaprabhu! I am the most unfortunate Satsangi in your Satsang who does not get any tears. My eyes stay shamelessly dry even with Your kirtans and the name of Hari. So, I decided to punish these eyes with chilli powder and teach them to cry.
When Mahaprabhu heard this, his voice softened. He was impressed with the effort Bhanuprasad was making to follow His instructions and He hugged Him.
And then He looked at Premraj with anger and said - Do you come here to do Satsang or watch who is doing what? If I hear any more things from you, you will have to leave the Satsang.
Moral of the Story
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj used this story to teach a few concepts.
One, tears are extremely important in devotion. One must realize himself as powerless and dependent
on the Grace of God and Guru in devotion.
Two, one who makes an effort to follow the instructions is also a true devotee. His constant practice will make him succeed one day.
On the other hand, people who come to watch others in the Satsang are the ones who are shamming devotion. Such people should be alerted and if they do not correct themselves, they should be removed from the Satsang.
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