-THE PRINCESS & THE GOD A Tale From Ancient India Softly Told for Sleep.

Tonight I will be reading for you an ancient tale from India. It is called The Princess and the God. This beautiful ancient story of Princess Savitri is one of the most loved tales of India. In this story, the Princess Savitri has found a man worthy to wed her. No one can sway her from her heart's path. Savitri must use her wit and determination to save her husband from Yama, the God of Death. This ancient tale arises from the time when legends were born, an age of walled cities, of sun and fire worship, and of women far more independent than later Indian culture allowed. Before we begin, let's take a moment to settle in under the covers. And as you continue to settle in, perhaps you can even take a few deep relaxing breaths, if you like. This helps calm your mind and relaxes your body, to allow your breath to return back to its normal rhythm. And as you continue to relax, we will begin our story. In India, in the time of legend, there lived a king with many wives, but not one child. Morning and evening for eighteen years, he faced the fire on the sacred altar and prayed for the gift of children. Finally, a shining goddess rose from the flames. I am Savitri, child of the sun. By your prayers, you have won a daughter. Within a year, a daughter came to the king and his favorite wife. He named her Savitri, after goddess. Beauty and intelligence were the prince of Savitri's, and eyes that shone like the sun. So splendid was she, people thought she herself was a goddess. Yet when the time came for her to marry, no man asked for her. Her father told her, weak men turn away from radiance like yours. Go out and find a man worthy of you. Then I will arrange the marriage. In the company of servants and counselors, Savitri traveled from place to place. After many days, she came upon a hermitage by a river crossing. Here lived many who had left the towns and cities for a life of prayer and study. Savitri entered the hall of worship and bowed to the eldest teacher. As they spoke, a young man with shining eyes came into the hall. He guided another man, old and blind. Who is that young man? asked Savitri softly. That is Prince Satchavine, said the teacher with a smile. He guides his father, a king whose realm was conquered. It is well that Satchavine's name means son of truth, for no man is richer in virtue. When Savitri returned home, she found her father sitting with a holy seer named Narada. Daughter, said the king. Have you found a man you wish to marry? Yes, father. His name is Satchavine. Narada gasped. Not Satchavine? Princess, no man could be more worthy, but you must not marry him. I know the future. Satchavine will die one year from today. The king said, Do you hear, daughter? Choose a different husband. Savitri trembled, but said, I have chosen Satchavine, and I will not choose another. However long or short his life, I wish to share it. Soon the king rode with Savitri to arrange the marriage. Satchavine was overjoyed to be offered such a bride. But his father, the blind king, asked Savitri, Can you bear the hard life of the hermitage? Will you wear our simple robe and our coat of matted bark? Will you eat only fruit and plants of the wild? Savitri said, I care nothing about comfort or hardship. In palace or in hermitage, I am content. That very day, Savitri and Satchavine walked hand in hand around the sacred fire in the hall of worship. In front of all the priests and hermits, they became husband and wife. For a year, they lived happily. But Savitri could never forget that Satchavine's death drew closer. Finally, only three days remained. Savitri entered the hall of worship and faced the sacred fire. There she prayed for three days and nights, not eating or sleeping. My love, said Satchavine, prayer and fasting are good, but why be this hard on yourself? Savitri gave no answer. The sun was just rising, and Savitri at last left the hall. She saw Satchavine heading for the forest, an axe on his shoulder. Savitri rushed to his side. I will come with you. Stay here, my love, said Satchavine. You should eat and rest. But Savitri said, my heart is set on going. Hand in hand, Savitri and Satchavine walked over wooded hills. They smelled the blossoms on flowering trees and paused beside clear streams. The cries of peacocks echoed through the woods. While Savitri rested, Satchavine chopped firewood from a fallen tree. Suddenly, he dropped his axe. My head aches, Savitri rushed in. She laid him down in the shade of a tree, his head on her lap. My body is burning. What is wrong with me? Satchavine's eyes closed. His breathing slowed. Savitri looked up. Coming through the woods to meet them was a princely man. He shone, though his skin was darker than the darkest night. His eyes and his robe were the red of blood. Trembling, Savitri asked, Who are you? A deep gentle voice replied, Princess, you see me only by the power of your prayer and fasting. I am Yama, god of death. Now is the time I must take the spirit of Satchavine. Yama took a small noose and passed it through Satchavine's breast as if through air. He drew out a tiny likeness of Satchavine, no bigger than a thumb. Satchavine's breathing stopped. Yama placed the likeness inside his robe. Happiness awaits your husband in my kingdom. Satchavine is a man of great virtue. Then Yama turned and headed south back to his domain. Savitri rose and started after him. Yama strode smoothly and swiftly through the woods while Savitri struggled to keep up. At last, he stopped to face her. Savitri, you cannot follow to the land of the dead. Lord Yama, I know your duty is to take my husband. But my duty as his wife is to stay beside him. Princess, that duty is at an end. Still, I admire your loyalty. I will grant you a favor. Anything but the life of your husband. Savitri said, please restore my father-in-law's kingdom and his sight. His sight and his kingdom shall be restored. Yama again headed south. Savitri followed. Along a riverbank, thorns in tall, sharp grass let Yama pass untouched. But they tore at Savitri's clothes and skin. Savitri, you have come far enough. Lord Yama, I know my husband will find happiness in your kingdom. But you carry away the happiness that is mine. Princess, even love must bend to fate. Still, I admire your devotion. I will grant you another favor. Anything but the life of your husband. Savitri said, grant many more children to my father. Your father shall have many more children. Yama once more turned south. Again, Savitri followed. Up a steep hill, Yama glided while Savitri clambered after him. At the top, he halted. Savitri, I forbid you to come farther. Lord Yama, you are respected and revered by all. Yet, no matter what may come, I will remain by Satyabhan. Princess, I tell you for the last time, you will not. Still, I can only admire your courage and your firmness. I will grant you one last favor. Anything but the life of your husband. Then grant many children to me and let them be children of Satyabhan. Yama's eyes grew wide as he stared at Savitri. He did not ask for your husband's life. Yet, I cannot grant your wish without releasing him. Princess, your wit is as strong as your will. Yama took out the spirit of Satyabhan and removed the noose. The spirit flew north, quickly vanishing from sight. Return, Savitri. You have won your husband's life. The sun was just setting when Savitri again laid Satyabhan's head in her lap. His chest rose and fell. His eyes opened. Is the day already gone? I have slept long. But what is wrong, my love? You smile and cry at the same time. My love, said Savitri, let us return home. Yama was true to all he had promised. Savitri's father became father to many more. Satyabhan's father regained both sight and kingdom. In time, Satyabhan became king and Savitri his queen. They lived long and happily, blessed with many children. So they had no fear or tears when Yama came again to carry them to his kingdom. I hope you enjoyed this bedtime story. I hope it helped you relax. Perhaps a pleasant feeling of drowsiness and relaxation is beginning to grow and spread through you as the story of Savitri and her love Satyabhan begin to fade away from your imagination. And the more the story fades away into the background of your mind, the more sleepy you begin to feel. And as you sleep, your body and mind will rest, and you will awaken feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready for a brand new day. It's okay to embrace this feeling of sleep now. Let it wrap around you. Let it help you drift off. You are safe. And all is well. Good night, everyone. Sleep well. You are safe. And all is well. Good night, everyone. And all is well.