Story

[Guest guest]

Once a Great king arranged a very rare type of exhibition. He was

lover of art, architecture, music, science and everything. He had put

things of all variety and categories in the exhibition. The

exhibition was open to all. There was no need to pay any entrance

fee. The king made yet another strange announcement. "People can not

only see the exhibition free but can also take away with them

whatever object interests them." Naturally, there was a large crowd

of men, women and children. There were greedily carrying away as many

things and articles as they could. The very much enjoyed the sight of

people coming and going happily. All of a sudden his eyes fell upon a

young maiden who was visiting every nook and corner of the exhibition

very patiently but was about to leave the place without carrying

anything in her hand. Yet she was the picture of joy and peace. The

went to her and asked her gently : "Madam, How is it that not a

single object has attracted you. Did you like this exhibition? Is it

not to your taste? May I know?". The maid replied, gracefully but

firmly " O King! The exhibition is really very grand. There connot be

a better display of such variety of articles. They are really

nice.Then why don't you take atleast one or two articles from the

exhibition." asked the king. The maid explained : "O King! Where is

an end to one's desires. I don't want anything.". The king said : "O

Lady! Just ask for anything and it shall be yours". The girl with a

shy smile on her lips said : "Would you abide by your word even if

the wish is rather fantastic?". "Certainly", replied the king. "In

that case I want only you" replied the girl. The king married her as

per his word. Now being the king's wife, the entire exhibition became

hers. What is the inner meaning of this story ?

 

This beautiful world of infinite variety is the exhibition. God is

the king and owner of this exhibition. People in the world are free

to enter and take as many of the things as they can and enjoy

themselves, but there are quite a few who will not have desire for

objects of this world but only long for the Creator. The maid in this

story is the representative of such rare souls.

 

Ask for that which will earn for you all that you seek.

 

Titled :

Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God and All These Things Shall be Added

Unto You.

 

-- Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

Hari Aum