I’ve seen people lamenting over the bad luck befallen over them. At a close observation, we will find that all those situations would have been otherwise, if they had willed it properly and adopted a different befitting approach. The questions, ‘may I smoke while praying’ and ‘may I pray while smoking’ are same in effect. But both these questions invite different answers. The story of a millionaire and a few beggars comes to my mind. I pass it as I received it.
‘There was a good-natured millionaire in the town. Three beggars thought of approaching him for help. The first man went to the millionaire and said: “O Boss! I want five rupees. Give it to me.”
The millionaire was taken aback at this man’s impudence. “What! You demand five rupees from me as though I owe you the money! How dare you? How can I afford to give five rupees to a single beggar? Here, take these two rupees and get away,” he said. The man went away with the two rupees.
The next beggar went to the millionaire and said: “Oh Boss! I have not taken a square meal for the past ten days. Please help me.” “How much do you want?” asked the millionaire. “Whatever you give me,” replied the beggar. “Here, take this ten rupee note. You can have nice food for at least three days.” The beggar walked away with the ten rupee note.
The third beggar came. “Oh Boss, I have heard about your noble qualities. Therefore, I have come to see you. Men of such charitable disposition are verily the manifestations of God on earth,” he said. “Please sit down,” said the millionaire. “You appear to be tired. Please take this food,” he said, and offered food to the beggar. “Now please tell me what I can do for you.” “Oh Boss,” replied the beggar; “I merely came to meet such a noble personage that you are. You have given me this rich food already. What more need I get from you? You have already shown extraordinary kindness towards me. May God bless you!”
But the millionaire, struck by the beggar’s spirit, begged of the beggar to remain with him, built a decent house for him in his own compound, and looked after him for the rest of his life.
Joseph Mattappallil
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