FAITH

THE DOUBTING SOUL PERISHES

ONCE a man was about to crass the sea. Vibhishana wrote Rama's name on a leaf, tied it in a corner of the man's wearing cloth, and said to him: "Don't be afraid.

Have faith and walk on the water. But look here— the moment you lose faith you will be drowned." The man was walking easily on the water. Suddenly he had an intense desire to see what was tied in his cloth.

He opened it and found only a leaf with the name of Rama written on it. "What is this?" he thought.

"It’s just the name of Rama!" As soon as doubt entered his mind he sank under the water. (75)