Bliss

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

Page 82

Non-possessiveness and charity
67
blessings. When the king heard about the saint, his hopes were kindled. He was sure the holy man would help him beget a son. The minister was hopeful too. So they decided to visit the monk. The king bowed before him and solicited his blessings. "Oh Master!” he said. "Bless our homes with sons so that we may find joy. Without a child, all the wealth of this world gives us no pleasure. There is darkness in our hearts, our homes seem gloomy and so does this entire kingdom.”
The monk said, “If you want a son, then first you must find the father within yourself; for what use is a son to you if you do not possess paternal feelings?"
The king was baffled. He exclaimed, “Master! How can one be a father in the absence of a child? Until I don't become a father, how can I feel like one?"
Now the holy one asked gently, “Are all your subjects not your children? All through your reign as king, have you not been addressed as a parent by your subjects? Yet, you have not endeared yourself to them as a parent would to his offspring. Therefore, first instill a feeling of affection in your heart. I promise you will find a son who will illumine your name.”
He continued, “Make an announcement throughout the kingdom that beggars will be given alms tomorrow."
The next day, all the beggars of the town waited to be fed. When the king and his minister arrived to give away alms in all their finery, the monk said, “If you both set aside your royalty and go before them as ordinary mortals, you will truly understand them and their needs."
Thus, the charity began. But instead of gold and riches, the beggars were given bits of stale roţi as suggested by the wise man. They were astounded. Such meagre charity after such a big announcement! That too from a king? They could not make sense of it. But knowing that they could not argue with the king, they accepted what was given to them as their fate.
As they returned with their meagre alms, the monk awaited