<Prev |  Next>

In a town, there lived a wealthy man who was miserly by nature. The poor people of the town often approached him either for money or for some other help. Without showing any pity on them, this wealthy man would send them off without helping them. He had not even kind words to offer them. Instead, he would rebuke the poor people who came to him for help.

Once, the town was struck by severe draught, since there was no rain for months together. Everyone in the town suffered from lack of food. This wealthy man had his own land. Since he enjoyed all that came from the land alone without sharing it with anyone, he had grains in surplus. The wealthy man usually sold the surplus grains in the next town. This year also he decided to do the same. Knowing this, everybody in the town came to him and requested-“Sir! Please distribute the surplus grains amongst us. The grains produced this year are not enough even for food. Please help us.” Without heeding their request, the wealthy man sold the surplus grains.

After a few days, the wealthy man suffered from severe stomach pain. Despite various treatments his pain was not alleviated. He was very much worried. At the same time, a Mahãtma visited the town. Everybody in the town went to him and welcomed him. They told the Mahãtma about how they were suffering due to famine and how the wealthy man, inspite of having the capacity, refused to help them. The Mahãtma listened to their woes patiently.

Having heard of the visit of a Mahãtma to their town, the wealthy man visited him in order to tell the Mahãtma about his disease and get it cured. He told the Mahãtma about his disease. With compassion, the Mahãtma said to him-“Your disease will soon be cured but on one condition. You must eat only porridge for 45 days.” Having faith in the words of the Mahãtma, the wealthy man left the place.

Right from the moment he reached his house, he strictly followed the advice of the Mahãtma and ate only porridge. In a day or two, he was afflicted by hunger. Within a month, he was able to empathize with the poor people and their suffering. Before the completion of 45 days his mind changed. He became compassionate towards the poor and gave away his wealth and grains to the poor, in charity. His disease was also cured and the people were also relieved of their distress.

Thus, children! One empathizes with the misery of others only when it is experienced personally.

<Prev |  Next>

Home • e-MM • Contact

Radhe Krishna