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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
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153
would acquire position and property. The princess did not like to marry the wicked minister; but they had to cross the sea. So, she tactfully smiled and said that she would give her decision after reaching home.
A fisherman rescued Dobrive from being drowned and brought him to Russia on the condition that he should give him half the property that he might get. The Emperor of Russia was greatly pleased to see Dobrive and bestowed upon him, his kingdom and his wealth. Dobrive pardoned the minister. According to his promise, Dobrive offered half his kingdom to the fisherman. But the fisherman did not receive it. The fisherman showed himself to be superior to Dobrive in nobility and magnanimity, by refusing to take what was offered to him.
Rahim Sahib who was himself a great bencfactor believed that if one was offered some gift which one needed, he need not hesitate to accept it. His idea was that those who could afford to give away a gift would offer it to the needy and that those who needed something would ask for it.
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
Poor people approach a
wealthy man. Therefore one need not hesitate to go to rich people for help. While Rahim gave away anything, he would bend his eyes always towards the ground. When he was asked, why he did so, he replied.
दया धर्म का मूल है,
"One may think, 'I am a benefactor and I am giving away charity.' But the actual giver is different. (God is the actual giver.) Therefore, on account of humility and doubt I keep my eyes bent towards the ground."
This statement illustrates the truth that we should not feel proud, when we are giving away anything. Santa Tulasi Das has written:
पाप - मूल अभिमान ॥ Daya dharma kā mūl hai
Papa-mul abhiman
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