Bliss

Author(s): Amarmuni
Publisher: Sanmati Gyan Pith Agra

Page 75

Non-possessiveness and charity
One who does not question the aim of accumulation ends up losing focus and becomes oblivious to all other aspects of life. He neglects his family, society, nation and himself as well. He is hungry, but does not eat. He is tired, but does not rest. He earns more and more; earning becomes an obsession with him. He has no idea where his goal lies. He loses himself in the maze of possessions. Can such a man take care of others? Can he ever take time to tend to the needs of his family? To such a man, can the community and nation ever matter?
60
Once during caturmāsa, we set up residence next to a mansion. The owner of that mansion lived abroad and a watchman was appointed to take care of the mansion. He was paid well and it was said that he also had some personal wealth. But he always projected an image of poverty. He would eat just roasted gram in front of us, trying to evoke our sympathy by saying that he could afford no more.
We were obviously sorry to see his torn clothes, his meagre meals and his ageing condition. Much later we realized that the reason for his pathetic appearance was not poverty, but his thrifty nature.
It is not poverty, but miserliness which is dreadful.
Some days later, the watchman fell ill. He took no medicines neither did he consult a physician. Often he remained unconscious. The people said, "Looks like his end is near. Let us make arrangements for him to be laid to rest."
But there were some wise people in the town who believed that the authorities should be informed about his condition. They were concerned that the townsfolk would be questioned regarding the personal property of the man in the event of his demise.
So, the local government body was informed. To the utter shock of the Tahsildar himself, a sum of rupees five thousand along with some jewels was found locked in the old man's possession. So much of wealth and yet such a piteous state?
So the Tahsildar advised him, "Give away how much ever