________________
Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
130
The merchant held his head and cried aloud, "I have lost fifty thousand rupees."
The servant shouted, "Alas, I have lost my job." This is not an imaginary incident. It actually occurred
oncc.
By giving a discount of five thousand rupees, the merchant desired to make a huge profit of thousands of rupees. But he lost thousands of rupees. On that day itself, deception brought its consequences.
Once, there was an architect. He was getting a monthly salary from the king. The houses of the rich people of the city were built according to his plans. Of the income, he was getting from selling his plans, one quarter had to be remitted to the king's treasury and he was getting three-fourths of the income. Even if he did not sell his plans, he would be getting his salary. Therefore, he could casily support his family. The king was paying him monthly salary because, he did not like such a great artist to wander about in search of work and livelihood. He assisted even in the construction of the king's palace. In course of time, the artist became old. His hands and legs began to shake on account of nervous weakness. The King once called him and said, "Esteemed artist, you have rendered a lot of service to our city and to us. Now, we have decided to give you a pension. Kindly carry out onc more work. Kindly construct a beautiful bungalow on the other bank of the river that flows by our city. After that is done, we will not give you any more jobs. You can take rest at home receiving half your salary as your pension from our treasury as long as you are alive. Please, prepare an estimate for that building. What amount do you require to construct the bungalow? You can tell us without any hesitation." The architect at once made a calculation and said, "Your Highness, I require fifty thousand rupees to construct the bungalow. Kindly arrange to pay me an advance of twenty-five thousand rupees and I shall start the construction tomorrow. Within a month, I will get the building completed."
For Private And Personal Use Only
