Dharma Kshetra

A blind man crosses the river

In a remote village divided by a wide river, lived a blind man. On the far bank stood a sacred temple, where devotees sang the names of Krishna day and night. Though he had never seen the Deity, the man’s heart yearned to be there—just once, to offer his tears before the Lord.

"Tell me," he would ask passers-by, “how can I reach that holy temple?” But the river had no bridge, and the current was strong. Everyone warned him, “It’s dangerous even for those who can see. You are blind. Don’t try.”

But one morning, as the first rays of sun touched the riverbank, he stepped forward. “O Lord,” he whispered, “I have no eyes, no guide, no strength. But I have faith in You. If You want me to come, carry me through.” With a stick in hand and prayers on his lips, he began to wade into the water.

The current pulled and tugged. The stones beneath were slippery. But something unseen held him steady. Each step seemed guided. The river that had terrified others became a pathway of grace for him. Villagers watched in awe as the blind man reached the other side, untouched by fear or fall.

When he reached the temple, the priest heard his story and welcomed him. “You are not blind,” he said. “You have seen with the inner eye. Yours is the vision of the heart.”

The blind man sat before the Deity. Though his eyes were closed, his soul beheld a beauty that even the sun could not reveal. Tears streamed down his face, and he whispered, “Thank You, my Lord. I have arrived.”

This story shows us that those who see with faith can cross rivers that the proud and sighted dare not. Material eyes see the obstacle; spiritual eyes see the Lord beyond it. The blind man had no map, no plan, no guide—but he had surrender. And in surrender, the Divine becomes the guide.

"O Bharata, surrender unto Him with all your being. By His grace you will attain transcendental peace and the eternal abode."( Bhagavad-gita 18.62)

Courtesy: https://www.bhagavatam-katha.com/the-blind-man-crossing-the-river/