Once it happened that a certain yogi who had been submitting himself to great austerities for a long time was sitting and reciting prayers, when a bird perched on a nearby branch and began to sing. The bird’s song was so loud and shrill that it completely broke the yogi’s concentration, and, annoyed, he opened his eyes and glared in its direction. To his surprise, when his glance fell upon it, the bird burst into flame and in an instant was no more than a puff of smoke and a small pile of ash.

The yogi had had no idea that he had such a power, but the more he thought about it, the more inflated he became. “Obviously, my efforts have gained great merit,” he said to himself. “Yes, I am truly powerful now!”

The next day the yogi went begging for alms. At the first house, when there was no response, he became impatient, and shouted, demanding attention. “Be careful – you don’t know who you are neglecting!” he called. At that a woman from within replied, “I suppose you are going to turn me to ashes, too.”

The yogi stood open mouthed. How did a simple peasant woman who about his power?

The woman came to the door and answered his unspoken question. “Why shouldn’t I know? I think of the Lord and spend my life in devotion and service. But I am caring for my sick husband now and I’m too busy to talk to someone like you. if you want to know more about it, go to the butcher in the village.” And with that she closed the door in the yogi’s face.

The yogi was disconcerted. The woman didn’t seem to think his great power was so special. And she wanted him to go to a butcher! A yogi, who was a vegetarian, going to a butcher? Unimaginable!

Nevertheless, he followed her advice and went to the meat shop. When he arrived there, before he could say a word the butcher said, “Don’t worry, you won’t be defiled by me. I live quietly, care for my family, say my prayers and help the poor. But I have a message for you. God says that He enjoyed the song of the bird and its sincerity more than the sound of your prayers.”