Way of Life Part 3

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 60

THE WAY OF LIFE
The members of the Seth's family also were happy. Even in the city people began to praise the Seth. . The three underground rooms kept haunting the mind of the King. They rose repeatedly before his eyes. The King thought, "If I can manage to get all that wealth into my treasury, I will be the richest King in India. I can increase my army. I can increase my weapons; and I can invade and conquer other Kingdoms. But how can I get possession of his wealth ? If I take it by force, people will criticise and condemn me. If I ask the Seth directly to surrender his wealth to me, he will not give it to me easily. What shall I do? I am unable to think of any method".
In the evening, the King sat deeply lost in thought. His Chief Minister came to meet him at the time. Seeing the King lost in deep worry, he said, "Your Highness! What has happened? Why are you so deeply worried ?" The King told the minister what he was thinking of. The Chief Minister did not care for the welfare of the Kingdom or the people. He was interested only in the achievement of his selfish objectives; and he was clever in achieving his selfish ends. Therefore, he always tried to please the King. He used to act according to the moods and desires of the King whether his desires were just or unjust. The King also always acted upon the Chief Minister's suggestions.
The Chief Minister said to the King : "Your Highness! I have thought of a plan by means of which you can get the Seth's wealth without incurring the displeasure of the people". The King said, "Please tell me what your plan is. Tell me at once so that I may have some peace of mind".
The Chief Minister said, "When tomorrow, the Seth comes to your court, you tell him, "Seth ! I was greatly delighted to see your wealth yesterday. I am proud of having a wealthy merchant like you in my country. You are like Kubera, the god of wealth". But a thought has occurred to me". The merchant hearing you praise him thus will begin to sway with delight. Then he too will say, "Your Highness! What thought