King Akbar and the hermit

Anecdotes

oi-Staff

By Staff

Friday, May 22, 2009, 12:28

It is wise to turn to God for one's needs as He is the very source, ever ready to extend His bountiful hand. Not to ignore His grace for a devotee who has surrendered to Him totally, as He comes forward to bestow him with nothing less than Himself.

Once there lived in a hut, a hermit who had numerous visitors at his place to meet him. Once there was a great urge in him to entertain his visitors. But since he did not have the resources to do so he thought of approaching king Akbar who was then ruling Delhi.

The hermit at was received into the palace of King Akbar as the king's gate was always open for holy men. The hermit found the emperor engaged in his daily worship and receded to the corner of the room. At the conclusion of his prayer, the emperor began to pray to God for wealth and riches. The hermit at once started to leave the place when the king beckoned him and asked as to why he was taking leave without even mentioning the purpose of his visit.

The hermit replied that his majesty need not have to trouble himself. But when Akbar pressed hard for the reason, the hermit replied that he had come to seek money from him; but was not going to do so as he found the emperor himself to be a beggar as he prayed to God for riches. Hence he decided that he was not going to beg of a beggar and instead to beg of God .

The Lord is the sole provider and nourisher for all.