Shrutsagar 2017 08 Volume 04 Issue 03

Author(s): Hiren K Doshi
Publisher: Acharya Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir Koba

Page 8

6
श्रुतसागर
अगस्त-२०१७
The holy man went away. The two friends walked on. When they approached the tree, they saw a brick of gold beneath it. One friend told the other that the holy man had planned to frighten them and make them go in a different direction, so that they might not get the brick, and so that he might take possession of it on his way back; but that his plan had failed.
The other said, "We left our village only with the object of acquiring money. Fortunately, we have found this brick in the very beginning of our search. So, our desire has been fulfilled. Now, we can return to our village. After going to our village, we shall share the brick equally."
The friends agreed upon this plan. They began walking towards their village. On the way, they came to another village. They halted beneath a huge tree outside that village. They felt hungry. One friend entrusting the responsibility of taking care of the brick to the other, went to the village to fetch food. On the way, he thought that if he mixed some poison with the food, his friend would eat it and die; and he could get the entire brick. Accordingly, with poisoned food, he returned to the tree.
Now, they needed water. The friend said, "You begin eating food, I will fetch water from the nearby well." Having said this, he took up a pail and a rope; and went to the well to fetch water.
An evil idea flashed to the friend who sat under the tree. He thought that if he pushed the other man into the well, he would get possession of the brick. In consequence, leaving the brick there, he went running to the well. He said, "Oh, friend! you brought the food and now you have come to fetch water also.
You need rest. Give it here. I will draw the water." Saying this, suddenly, he pushed him into the well. Returning to the tree. He ate the food and died because of the effect of the poison.
After some time, the holy man returned by the same road. He saw that sight under the tree; and burst out: "Really this brick of gold is Death." Again, he ran away from the place.
People while accumulating wealth for their children do not realize the truth of what is said by a great poet in these words :
पूत सपूत तो का धन संचय ?
पूत कपूत तो का धन संचय ?