THE SPARROW AND THE BLUE JAY

One time there was a sparrow and a blue jay. The blue jay said to the sparrow, “Let’s race. I know millions of flight patterns to reach that little island we will race to.”

The little sparrow did not want to race in the least; however, he said, “Okay.”

The blue jay showed off his patterns of flying, making all kinds of zigzag patterns, and got exhausted. He started sinking into the water. Paying attention only to his breath, the little sparrow scooped up the blue jay, flew with him on his tiny back and reached the island. His breath made him strong. His breath made him win.

Our Swami Nityananda told me this story when I wanted something very ancient to teach. I wanted something magical. He said, “This one will teach you only to return to Shiva in the fastest and surest way.” It is all about the breath.

Ma Jaya
Morning Pujas and Prayers, May 3, 1999

Ma Jaya's sacred art