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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
151
expecting any result. The fulfilment of life lies in benevolence; in giving not in putting by and hoarding (water or anything).
Some months passed, the season of summer came. The lake had become dry. Its bottom was full of slime. Seeing its condition the river said, “Brother! Where is all your wealth of water which you had hoarded? I am alive and active even though I have grown thin because I always keep flowing and giving away my wealth endlessly."
On hearing this, the lake felt greatly ashamed and became completely dry. On account of remorse and sorrow, its chest became cracked and broken, but what is the use of regret or remorse when we have lost the opportunity of extending help to others?
The people of Denmark defeated king Wlfred and his armies in a terrible battle. After being defeated king Alfred went away and hid himself in a fort. He had some soldiers also with him. As time passed, the foodstuffs they had with them were exhausted. Alfred limself remained without food for several days. In these circumstances, a soldier who had been starving for three days approached king Alfred and begged him for some food. King. Alfred turned his eyes towards his wife. After several days of starving she had with great difficulty managed to secure a cake. The queen had cut the cake into two pieces so that she and the king might cat one piece cach. King Alfred said to the queen, “Oh qucen! I have sent som soldiers to secure food. They will surely bring something so, please give my share of the cake to this hungry soldier. I can wait.” The queen heard this. She was equally generous. So, she gave both the picces to tlie starving soldier. Their generosity brought immediate fruit. Soon the soldiers brought enough food and all ate to their satisfaction. The Buddhistic scholars have stated in their sacred books thus, “No gift is small if it is given with cheerfulness and a genuine spirit of compassion." A philosopher has said, “Do not take even if the heaven is offered to you, but give away even the heaven if you have to give it to others."
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