Inspiration: The Story of a Wallet

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Overheard from another list.....

 

> > The Story of a Wallet, From 'Dipika'

> > A publication by Sri Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa

> >

> > Once an old man was travelling by train on a pilgrimage to Brindavan.

> > At night, whilst he was asleep, his wallet fell from his pocket. A co-

> > passenger found it the next morning and enquired as to whom the

> > wallet belonged. The old man said it was his. A picture of Sri

> > Krishna inside the wallet was proof that the wallet really belonged

> > to him.

> >

> > The old man then began to relate the story of the wallet. He soon had

> > a group of eager listeners around him. Lifting up the purse for all

> > to see, the old man said: This purse has a long history behind it. My

> > father gave it to me years ago when I was a mere schoolboy. I kept my

> > little pocket money in it and also a photograph of my parents.

> >

> > Years passed. I grew up and began studying at university. Like every

> > youth, I became conscious of my appearance. I replaced my parents'

> > photograph with that of my own and I would look at it often. I had

> > become my own admirer.

> >

> > Then came marriage. Self-admiration gave way to the consciousness of

> > a family. Out went my own picture and I replaced it with that of my

> > wife's. During the day I would open the wallet many times and gaze at

> > the picture. All tiredness vanished and I would resume my work with

> > enthusiasm.

> >

> > Then came the birth of my first child. What a joy I experienced when

> > I became a father! I would eagerly rush home after work to play with

> > my little baby. Needless to say, my wife's picture had already made

> > way for the child's.

> >

> > The old man paused. Wiping his tearful eyes, he looked around and

> > said in a sad voice: Friends, my parents passed away long ago. My

> > wife too died five years ago. My son- my only son- is now married. He

> > is too busy with his career and his family. He has no time for me. I

> > now stand on the brink of death. I do not know what awaits me in

> > future. Everything I loved, everything I considered my own, has left

> > me.

> >

> > A picture of Lord Krishna now occupies the place in my wallet. I know

> > He will never leave me. I wish now that I had kept HIS picture with

> > me right from the beginning! He alone is true; all others are just

> > passing shadows.

> >

>

>