Guest guest Posted January 5, 2004 Report Share Posted January 5, 2004 We have heard it said that a great king once went into a forest and there met a sage. He talked with the sage a little and was very much pleased with his purity and wisdom. The king then wanted the sage to oblige him by receiving a present from him. The sage refused to do so, saying, " The fruits of the forest are enough food for me; the pure streams of water flowing down from the mountains give enough drink for me; the barks of the trees supply me with enough covering; and the caves of the mountains form my home. Why should I take any present from you or from anybody? " The king said, " Just to benefit me, sir, please take something from my hands and please come with me to the city and to my palace. " After much persuasion, the sage at last consented to do as the king desired and went with him to his palace. Before offering the gift to the sage, the king repeated his prayers, saying, " Lord, give me more children; Lord, give me more wealth; Lord, give me more territory; Lord, keep my body in better health " , and so on. Before the king finished saying his prayer, the sage had got up and walked away from the room quietly. At this the king became perplexed and began to follow him, crying aloud, " Sir, you are going away, you have not received my gifts. " The sage turned round to him and said, " I do not beg of beggars. You are yourself nothing but a beggar, and how can you give me anything? I am no fool to think of taking anything from a beggar like you. Go away, do not follow me. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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