It was afternoon. Amma was sitting in the verandah. The newly arrived visitors were partaking of tirtham and prasadam. Some were telling her their joys and sorrows.
Among the visitors, there was a sixteen-year old boy. He gave a gold bindi to Amma.
Amma: What is this for?
The boy remained silent. Amma tried to give it back, when he said: “I brought it only for you”.
Amma (smiling): For what? Are you appearing for some exam?
That, the boy knew, was exactly the reason which made him bring it. Smiling, he replied: “Yes, Amma!”
Amma: There is no connection between your “gift” and your exam. Now itself, let me tell you: You want to give me this but if you fail in your exam, you shouldn’t feel hurt. There is no link between this and your failure or success in the exam. You may or may not offer a bindi. Even after giving it to me you may fail. And even if you don’t give that, you may pass. Simply because you gave it, does anything happen?
The boy didn’t say anything. Amma took the bindi.
(from conversations with Amma (Telugu) by Sripada Gopaakrishnamurti. Translated by M. Sivaramkrishna)