Once, Dharmadev had to go to another village, and so he decided to entrust Ghanshyam with the job of looking after the farm until he returned later in the day. He explained to Ghanshyam, “I’m going out on business. Have your meal now, and then go to look after our rice.” He sat Ghanshyam down to eat, he also gave Him a stick to scare away the birds away.

Ghanshyam put on His shoes and went merrily on His way, wielding the stick as He walked. When He reached the farm, He saw hundreds of birds completely destroying the crop. They were all eating to their hearts content. Ghanshyam felt pity on them and thought, “I couldn’t bear to scare these poor innocent birds away? But if I don’t, my father and elder brother will get very angry.” He pondered for a while and came up with an idea: “I know what I’ll do!” He instantly used His divine powers and sent all the birds into a trance. He then went to play elsewhere with His friends.

Dharmadev’s work in the other village took longer than expected. He became worried about Ghanshyam and sent Rampratapbhai to check if everything was alright.

Rampratapbhai came to the farm but couldn’t see Ghanshyam anywhere. He searched around and ultimately found Him playing at Madhavram’s place. Rampratapbhai got very angry. “You were sent to look after the farm!” he said furiously.

“Don’t’ worry,” said Ghanshyam. “Everything is under control.”

Ghanshyam took His elder brother to the farm. Seeing all the birds frozen still, Rampratapbhai went for a closer look – to see if they were dead or alive. Just then, Ghanshyam used His divine powers again and released all the birds from their trance. They immediately flew away.

Rampratapbhai was astonished. He did not know what had happened. Nevertheless, young Ghanshyam smirked to Himself. He had managed to look after the farm without harassing the birds. Such was His compassion for even the smallest creatures.