Being Truly Rich - Part 2

Anecdotes

oi-Staff

By Super

Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 12:31

Once a Sanyasi (ascetic) came to rest under a tree near a village. He started to contemplate on the glory of God revealed in the nature around him and God's peace within himself when suddenly a man from the village ran up to him and began to plead with him in a frantic way: "Give me the stone, give me the stone!" The man was very excited and his voice trembled as he spoke.

The Sanyasi did not lose his calm demeanour and somewhat bemused asked him, "What stone?" "Swami, I have been worshipping Lord Shiva all my life. I look to Him for all my joy in life and I regularly offer some of my earnings to feed the poor in His name. Last night Lord Shiva came in my dream saying He wanted to reward me for my devotion. He said that a sanyasi would come near the village who possessed a stone that would make me rich beyond measure for all my life. Sir, I am a man of moderate income with a large family and so I am asking you for this stone which will solve all our material

worries." The sanyasi searched his bag and took out a large diamond with a big smile on his face. "Oh, you must mean this stone. It seems Lord Shiva wishes to give you riches beyond all worldly dreams. I found this in the forest yesterday and felt that God may have a secret purpose in a humble sanyasi finding it - as obviously I am beyond any material attraction for it. So I have been waiting to discern His will and now you have come along! My boy, I am so happy you have come and now I can hand it over to you. Go and make your life prosperous and give joy to all those who you will help with your wealth!"

So saying, the sanyasi blessed him and beckoned him to leave without more ado. The man was moved beyond all measure and bowing low to the holy monk turned away with his mind racing. 'What am I to do with the diamond?' 'How can I sell it?' 'Would anyone try and rob me?' 'How can I please Lord Shiva with the money?' 'How could the monk give away the diamond so easily?' All these thoughts were bothering him for the rest of the day.

Read how the devotee became truly rich on the Next Page