There was a Saint Eknath who lived in Mahaaraashtra state of India. Once
he was traveling with a group of his followers from Vaaraanasee to
Raameshwaram, from North to South. They were carrying the Holy River Gangaa
water to offer to Shiv.
As they headed on foot to Raameshwaram, they passed through a dense
forest. The pathway was narrow and Eknath became separated from his
followers as they could not keep up with him. When he saw nobody behind him,
he decided to stop and wait for them. So he sat down under a tree. It was
very hot. In the meantime he spotted a donkey to be dying of thirst. Eknath
was very sympathetic to him. He trieds to search for some water in the area
but could not find any.
He thought and thought, what should he do. The only water he had that
Holy water to be offered to God, this donkey was dying with thirst. Should
he keep this water for God, or give to this dying donkey? He did not take
much time to think, he got up, took the Holy water pitcher and pour some
water in his throat. The donkey was so thirsty that he drank all water, to
the last drop.
At the same time his followers arrived there. They saw him giving Holy
water to a donkey, they asked him angrily - What did you do Eknath? This was
the Holy water. We were carrying it to offer it to God and you gave it to a
donkey. Now our trip is wasted. What we will offer to Shiv?" The saint
smiled and said - "A true human being cannot bear to see another living
being dying of thirst when he has water, whether it is ordinary or Holy.
This offering to save the donkey's life is far greater than any kind of
offering to any God.
