CHINNA KATHA FROM BHAGAVAN’S DISCOURSE. No. 42.

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42 - Give up attachment

 

Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful and charming princess in

Greece. She was not only beautiful but also adept in shooting, hunting

and running. In fact, she had earned the title of " the fleet-footed

princess. " Many handsome and heroic princes desired to win her heart and

hand. So, the princess hit upon a clever plan. She announced that she

would marry the young man who would beat her in a foot race. Hundreds of

young warriors came to race with her but she always out-ran them.

 

At last one young hero was bent upon outrunning her. He sought the

advice of a wise man. He explained to him about the fleet-footed

princess and her challenge. He also expressed his regret over the fact

that many young warriors were being put to shame by the princess.

 

The wise man said: " Don't worry. You take within your pocket several

shining pieces of jewellery and gems. As you run, go on dropping one

piece after another on the racing track at strategic points. "

 

On the day fixed for the race, the young man equipped himself with fine

pieces of jewellery. The young man and the princess started running.

Both of them were good runners. Whenever the princess was on the point

of outstripping him, the young man would softly drop a dazzling piece of

jewellery. The princess spontaneously stopped to pick up the lovely

piece of jewellery that was after all on the racing track. She was

confident that in spite of the halts she would be able to outrun her

rival. These brief but frequent halts made him reach the goal ahead of

her. Thus the young man won the race as well as the heart and the hand

of the princess. Why did the fleet footed princess lose this time? It is

all because of her love for jewellery. Love of lucre always makes man

weak and prevents him from realising his real goal in life. If we want

success in life, we have to give up attachment and should be prepared to

sacrifice what we have as the young man did.