CHINNA KATHA FROM BHAGAVAN’S DISCOURSE. No. 15.

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15 - Act and live in the present

 

Once, a poor man approached king Yudhishtira, the eldest of the

Pandavas. He was also called Dharmaraja because he always followed the

path of virtue. The poor man asked the king for some help. Yudhishtira

said: " Come tomorrow, I will give you what you want " .

 

Bhima, Yudhishtira's brother, overheard this promise. He at once called

all the royal retinue for a sudden meeting. He announced that the next

day would be celebrated as a day of victory. This sudden announcement

created a great commotion. Everyone wanted to know what the victory was

about and who had won it. The news reached Dharmaraja. Bhima was asked

to give an explanation.

 

Bhima said: " We have gained a victory over death for twenty four hours.

Dharmaraja had asked a certain poor man to come tomorrow for receiving

help. It means that Dharmaraja is quite certain that he will be alive

for the next twenty four hours. Is this not a victory? "

 

Yudhishtira realised how inadvertently he was taught a lesson. He sent

for the poor man and gave him what he wanted. Act and live in the

present. Never postpone to tomorrow whatever good you can do today.