Aarav and Guruji: Learning About God

Story

There was a little boy, Aarav, who was curious about everything, like where birds go in the evening, where the river water meets, how fireflies light up, and many more.

One day, he sat under a big, shady tree, playing with fallen leaves and watching the birds. As the day went on, he noticed something fascinating. The birds, who had spent their day flying far and wide, were now, in the evening, returning one by one to rest on the tree’s sturdy branches. Aarav was curious to know why they all came back to the same place.

With this question in his mind, he went back home. It was late evening.

He asked his father, "Dad, why do birds go back to the tree in the evening?”

His father said, “Son, that is their home. Just as you come back home after school and I also return home from the office in the evening, in the same way, the birds go back to their houses.”

Aarav nodded but wasn’t completely satisfied with the answer.

The next day, he again went to the same tree and sat under its shade. Nearby, a wise old man, called Guruji by everyone, noticed Aarav’s curiosity and walked over to join him under the tree.

Guruji said, “I saw you came here yesterday as well. What are you looking for?” he asked.

Aarav shared his observation, asking why the birds always returned to this particular tree.

Guruji smiled warmly and explained that the tree provided the birds with shelter, safety, and a place to rest. No matter where they wandered during the day, they always knew they could come back to this tree.

Aarav asked, “So that means all the birds find safety and comfort from the same tree.”

Guruji nodded. “But how is it possible?” asked Aarav.

Guruji gently replied, “It is possible because the tree is strong and steady, with wide branches to hold all the birds. It doesn’t matter how far they fly or how different they are; the tree is always here, offering the same shelter to everyone. The tree doesn’t choose which birds to protect—it gives safety to all."

Aarav was beginning to understand it. But then, he had one more question.

“What about us? We find comfort and safety in our homes, and we all live in different houses.”

Guru Ji said, “Very nice question, son, let me answer this.”

“Apart from the houses we live in, there is a common and special house which we all share, the house of God." Aarav curiously asked, "Where is the house of God?"

Guruji further explained, "Just like the birds, we spend our whole day doing many things—reading, writing, working, playing, singing, or dancing—but at the end of the day, when we sit with ourselves and experience God within, we all find true comfort and peace, just like the birds find rest and safety in the tree.

"God is always there for everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. Just like the birds trust the tree, we can trust God, who takes care of us and gives us love and peace. No matter that we live in different houses, God's house is one place where we all find comfort and safety.”

Aarav listened carefully to Guruji and started to see the tree and the birds differently. They weren’t just birds coming back to a tree; they were showing a big, beautiful truth.

Guruji had taught him that we all have a special place where we belong—a place of love and peace with God.

Aarav felt happy knowing he had a safe and loving place other than his house.

We can always find love, peace, and comfort in God, who is like the best guide and the safest home for everyone.