At the end of a discourse on charity, the guru called his sishya’s (pupils) and asked them what would they ask Mahalakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) if she were to appear before them.
The first sishya: ‘Guruji, I would ask for a lot of wealth so I can help the poor and needy.’
The second sishya had more to ask: ‘One never knows one’s mind for sure, especially after coming into possession of wealth. So I would ask for lot of wealth and along with it the will to give it away to others.’
His companion, the third sishya, thought different: ‘If we are wishing well for others, I prefer to remove myself altogether and would pray to Mahalakshmi to grace them directly with enough.’
The fourth sishya differed: ’My prayer would be for them to have enough wealth, but they would earn it by their efforts.’
The guru smiled and walked away leaving them behind to debate among themselves the wisdom of their views.
End
Sanmargam 