Pinnacle Of Spirituality

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal

Page 72

D
ARMATOARE
28. Epitome of Human Kindness
hrimad's business conduct was highly ethical. He was scrupulous and honest in his dealings. It is often said that those who are spiritual are not practical enough to succeed in business. Shrimad, on the other hand, ran a flourishing business, and yet adhered to his principles.
He entered into a forward contract with a diamond merchant. As part of the terms of the contract, the merchant signed a document promising to deliver a certain number of diamonds. Now, it so happened that soon after the document was signed, the prices of diamonds suddenly shot up. The merchant found himself in a tight spot. If he bought the diamonds at the current prices, he would incur heavy losses and probably go bankrupt.
Shrimad learnt about the steep increase in diamond prices and went to the merchant, armed with the contract. The merchant was disturbed at the sight of Shrimad and told him that he was at a loss as to what to do and that, while it would take some time, he would honour the contract in full.
Shrimad responded: "If the contract worries you, should it not worry me, too? The cause of worry for both of us is the contract, isn't it?"
He tore up the contract, saying: "If I understand correctly, this contract will ruin you. I may drink milk, but I will not drink blood."
There was a wealthy Arab merchant, a dealer in pearls, whose younger brother also wanted to deal in pearls. He had received a consignment from a foreign country, and came to know, through a broker, that Shrimad was a very honest businessman and approached him. Shrimad negotiated a contract, bought and paid for the goods
The Arab went home and talked to his elder about the transaction. The elder brother showed him instructions from the original owner of the pearls that they were to be sold above a certain price. The price at which the goods were sold to Shrimad was much lower than stipulated.
The two brothers wondered what could be done and approached Shrimad the next day explaining their predicament. He cancelled the contract and returned the goods. The two brothers returned the money to Shrimad, heaving a sigh of relief. They were obliged to Shrimad for his act of generosity and struck by his greatness as a human being. They fell at his feet and thanked him profusely.
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