CHINNA KATHA FROM BHAGAVAN’S DISCOURSE. No. 40.

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40 - A ray of hope and light

 

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.