In the Divine Story, you will observe one special fact; no incident is un-connected with the rest, no happening is without significance. For example, Parashurama exterminated the Kshatriyarulers of his time by systematic campaigns directed against each. How then, why then, did Dasharatha and Janaka survive? The truth of the matter is: Parashurama made two exceptions under which his victims could save themselves and survive. This secret was known only to these two survivors. He had resolved within himself that he would not kill a bridgegroom or a person engaged in a yaga So, whenever Parashurama reached the frontiers of their kingdoms and was on the point of crossing them, Janaka got himself initiated in preparation for a yaga(ceremonial sacrifice in which oblations are presented) and Dasharatha fitted himself out as a bridgegroom about to wed another princess. Of course, this was according to the Divine Plan, for Dasharatha had to live to get Dasharathi and Janaka had to discover Janaki. (SSS Vol.2, pp. 257-258)

When you join the congregational music of divine Names, as you did some time ago, you had tosing in tune with the rest, is it not? Otherwise, your voice becomes harsh to the ear; it grates. Sotoo, unless your life is in tune with the plan that the Lord has laid down, it spoils the melody; itgrates; it is felt to be a disturbance. Hence, follow the Divine Plan. That is to say, have one handon Brahma-marga (path of Supreme Reality), and the other on Dharma-marga (path ofRighteousness. These two will take you across and over the sea of birth and death.(SSS Vol.2, p. 6)

The story of a Divine Plan

I shall tell you the story of Ishvara Sankalpa (Will of the Supreme Lord) and how nothing could stop its realisation. Shiva was every day discoursing on Kailasa to sages and saints and Devasin the evening hours. One day, Parvati suggested that a Hall be constructed for accommodating them all, so that they could all listen without being affected by the constant fog and mist and cold winds. Shiva did not have the Sankalpa to put it up; still, Parvati insisted that her idea must be implemented. The astrologer who was consulted before the foundations were dug said that ‘The stars forecast that the Hall will be consumed by fire, since Shani (Saturn) is not propitious from the very beginning.’ The Hall was completed, nevertheless.

Now, that set a problem for the Couple. Shiva proposed to ask Shani for the favour of saving the Hall from his anger, though He doubted whether the Planet, reputed for his inevitable ire, would ever agree. Parvati felt deeply hurt and she resolved not to give the tiny tyrant, Shani, the credit for destroying the Hall that She had got built. She swore that instead of giving him the chance to declare arrogantly that he had set fire to the Hall, she would herself set fire to it. But Shiva asked her to first await the outcome of His appeal to Shani, for He was Himself proceeding to his headquarters! He told Her, ‘If Shani agrees to exempt the Hall from his anger, I shall come back and report the good news to you; but if he is adamant, I shall raise My Hand and twirl this Dhakka (double drum). On hearing that signal, you may set fire to the Hall and rob Shani of the credit for doing so.’

The role of a tool in the Divine Plan

Parvati was ready with a burning torch in anticipation of the signal, so that there may not be a

moment s chance for the wicked Planet to execute his nefarious plan of revenge. Shani, however, agreed to the request made by Shiva; he said that he would not bum down the Hall in Kailasa and Shiva was happy at his reply. So, when Shani prayed that he may be granted one small boon, Shiva agreed and asked him what it was. It seems Shani had never before seen the famous Dance of Shiva which all the stellar divinities were extolling and Shani craved that Shiva may show him a step-or two. Shiva readily assented and started the Tandava(frantic dance of Shiva), raising His hand and sounding the Dhakka! Listening to the signal, Parvati applied the torch and the Hall was, as per the Sankalpa of Shiva, burnt to ashes! Divine Sankalpa must be fulfilled! Shani was just a tool in the Divine Plan. (SSS Vol.2, pp. 42-43)