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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
in charities and these merits necessarily bring forth prosperity. Even passing away prosperity might stand and wait. You will be convinced if you just listen to the tale of a merchant named Kubera.
KUBERA, THE MERCHANT
In a city dwelt a trader named Kubera who ownedimmense wealth. His past seven generations were equally rich. Daily after bath with handful of flowers he prayed to the goddess of wealth, thus, "Mother, everything rests upon thee. Kindly bestow thy grace upon me always.”
Once the goddess roused the merchant from sleep and said, “Merchant, Listen, I have stayed long with you and with your generations. But now I shall depart, grant me leave."
These words made him extremely nervous. He started worrying about the fate of his family members. How could he then afford all those comforts and luxuries ? His eyes overflew with tears.
The goddess of wealth said, “Gentleman! I have cordial sympathy and love for you. But what can I do? I am only bound by merits. When merits are exhausted I cannot stay longer."
Kubera now realised that he could not detain her any longer. So he desired to do something worthwhile before she left. So he requested her, “If you are to leave, kindly fulfil one of my wishes before you leave.”
The goddess replied, “What do you wish ?" Kubera said, “Please stay on only for three days more."
The goddess foresaw with her power of limited range that the merchant's merits could last for three days more, so she conceded to his request.
In the morning Kubera narrated the position to all the members of the family, who got very nervous. They said, “Alas we are undone! We shall be all paupers! We are much confused. Tell us what to do now."
The merchant reflected, "I worshipped and served this goddess sincerely and still she is about to leave us. I had better served
