Story of the week - Poverty and Wealth

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Story of the week

Saturday, October 11, 2003

 

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Poverty and Wealth

 

Once Wealth and Poverty approached a merchant and introduced

themselves as Goddesses. The merchant offered his salutations to

both of them and said: "May I know what brings you to my humble

tenement?" The Goddess of Wealth said: "We want you to judge and

tell us as to who is more beautiful between us two?"

 

The merchant was in a fix. He knew he was between the devil and the

deep sea. If he were to declare wealth as more beautiful than

poverty, poverty would curse him. If he were to declare poverty as

more beautiful, than wealth, wealth would forsake him. However, he

regained his composure and said: "I have great respect for you both.

Would you please act according to my instructions? Then only I can

judge properly." The Goddesses agreed. He said: "Mother wealth,

would you please go to the entrance (gates) and walk into the house?

Mother, poverty! Would you please walk from here towards the gates?

I can have a good look at you both, from near and far." The two

Goddesses did walk as the merchant wished them to. Then the merchant

happily declared: "Mother wealth! You appear very beautiful when you

enter the house. Mother poverty! You look very beautiful when you

leave the house!" The Goddesses appreciated the wit and wisdom of

the merchant. The Goddess of wealth happily stayed in his house

while the Goddess of poverty cheerfully walked away.

 

When a serious problem confronts us, if we look within and think

calmly, a ray of hope and light will beam forth and show us the way.

 

- Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Source: Chinna Katha II, 61

 

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