A wise man's decision
There was a rich man living in a
small town. Although he was rich, he was living a simple life. He had two sons
and a daughter. He lost his wife, when his youngest child was barely three
years old. But, however he never let his children feel, the absence of their
mother. He tried his best to fulfil the desire of his children. Not only that,
he often spoke to them moral based stories, so that their foundation would be
strong enough to carry them forward. Time passed away so quickly, that he
couldn't realise, that he was already in old age. By that time, all his
children were grown up.
One day his eldest son came to him
and asked politely, 'Papa, I have some discussion with you. Will you please
spare some time for that?'
His father happily agreed. His son
started, 'Papa, I was thinking long time before to talk to you, but I never got
courage to ask you. But I can't resist myself without clearing my doubt. Please
forgive me, if it hurts you. Actually I felt a little bit weird two days before
when you refused that man to give some money although you know him very well. A
known person asking means, he must be badly in need of that. Otherwise why
should he ask you? Besides that, you never allowed us to spend money lavishly,
even though you have enough. Is there any cause behind it?'
His father smiled and patted his
back fondly. After a little pause, he began, 'Son, in my life I have learnt
three things. First: never borrow money from others. Second: spend the money
strategically. Third: never lie or dishonest to any one.'
Let me tell you something about me
which I never told you before because I didn't feel it's importance.
'We were not rich thirty years
before. I was the only son of my parents. My father was earning very little, on
daily wages basis. I spent a hard life in my childhood. When my mom was sick,
dad spent whatever money he had. The worst part was, when he had no more
savings left, he was bound to borrow money from others. Day by day, situation
became bad to worse. Eventually, the amount became so high, he couldn't repay
it and due to that stress, he died in heart attack. I was just an onlooker. I
was helpless. I left my study incomplete and started working. However, with
God's grace, I got married to your mom, who helped me, till to her death.
Because of her co-operation I could save money. Since, I had seen the acute
problem of my dad, I promised that day onwards, that whatever may come, I would
save money. That doesn't mean that I am a miser. I do spend money, but only
when it is required. Whatever you have now, is the achievement of my hard
work.p
So, obviously I don't want my money
to be spoilt. The man about whom you are talking, has already taken money from
me twice, but never returned me that. It seems he has a habit of easy way of
earning money by borrowing from others. If he wants, he can sustain himself by
doing some work. I don't want to encourage his lethargic attitude which will
put him in to trouble in future. I didn't hurt him rather I helped him.
Eventually, he will be forced to do some work.'
'For your second question, before
answering, I want to tell you a short story, if you don't mind,' said the rich
man to his son.
As the son was eager to know the
reason, he nodded his head and said, 'Yes, Papa, go on.'
The father continued, 'It is a
story from the great epic Mahavarat. Once, Pandavas were in short of rice
grains, while they were banished for twelve years. Yudhisthir (the eldest among
the five Pandavas) couldn't find any solution. At last he decided to send his
brother Bhimsen to Kuvera Dev, asking his help. So he asked Bhimsen to go to
Kuvera Dev (God of wealth) and deliver his message. All the four Pandavas were
very loyal to their elder brother Yudhisthir. So, Bhim carried out his order
instantly. When he reached over Kuvera Dev's place, he was utterly surprised,
looking at an amazing situation. He noticed from a distance, that Lord Kuvera
was busy in picking up grains from the ground. He was stunned and thought
himself, 'The person, who is picking up the grains from the ground, would ever
be able to spare a huge amount of rice grain to any one!!!'
However, it was an order from his
elder brother, he had no choice left. So, hesitantly he proceeded towards
Kuvera Dev and with respect, delivered the message given by Yudhisthir. When
Kuvera saw Bhimsen, the second Pandava, he was very much delighted.
After a long sweet conversation,
Varuna Dev bid farewell to Bhim and arranged a bullock cart, fully loaded with
rice grain sacs to carry with him. Bhim was surprised at Kuvera Dev's humble
and kind behaviour. Then he started his return journey.
After passing few yards, he found
the road ahead was so extremely muddy. It was impossible for the bullock cart
to pass through that particular area. So he came back to Kuvera Dev, and told
him about the difficulties.
Kuvera was cool when he heard the
problem of Bhim. He smiled at him and said, 'Oh, Bhim! What for you are so much
panicked? Do one thing, drop one or two sacks of grain on that mud and run the
cart through it.'
Bhim was surprised and stood
silently for few seconds. He couldn't believe himself that the same person, who
was picking up grains, could suggest him to throw sacs of rice grain. However,
he departed from Kuvera Dev and followed his advice. After reaching at home, he
narrated the whole scenario to his elder brother and expressed his own feeling
about Kuvera Dev.
Yudhisthir could well understand
the plight of Bhim. He smiled at him and said, 'It is so simple Bhim. Kuvera
Dev is a noble person. He taught you a lesson, that even a single grain should
not be wasted, because it has it's own value. Hence, he was picking up the
grains which was scattered on the ground. But, when the time demands, throw
sacks of grains if it is required without any hesitation, understood? That was
his principle.'
Bhim realised his mistake and felt
ashamed.'
The father looked at his son's face
after finishing his story. He again continued, 'If I would not use my money
strategically, maybe, I would not be able to take care of you three properly.
Neither I spent the money extravagantly nor I allowed you three to do the same.
None of you have stood up in your own feet till now, and the source of income
is only one, you know that better. It is beyond my morality that in future, if
ever money will be required for you, I have to depend upon some one to help.
That I don't prefer at all, and you know what? Whoever it may be, a millionaire
or a billionaire, if he goes on spending money lavishly without any earning and
saving, he will become a pauper, there is no doubt of it. Besides that, once
you will be habituated with a luxurious life, it is very difficult to adjust to
simple life. Because money has no guarantee. If today you are rich, tomorrow
who knows, what will be your condition? So it is better to live a simple life
and enjoy your time luxuriously sometime. Control your money, spend it wisely
and live like a king. Hopefully, I have answered your questions. Of course, I
am not sure whether you are satisfied or not,' uttered his father.
The son stood up, nodded his head
happily, indicating that he was quite happy. He left the place with a smile.
Nobody has seen tomorrow. The man
gave some hints of good and bad time of life, which is likely possible for
anyone. How far his children acquired that hints, God knows! Of course, choice
is yours, which way you want to live your life, spend money lavishly or spend
it wisely!!!
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