Make A Wish Carefully Not Casually

Anecdotes

oi-Priya Devi

By Priya Devi

Thursday, August 19, 2010, 16:30

One should be prudent while making a wish, for it may come true. A short Hindu story from the Srimad Bhagavatam reveals the truth.

An old man who lived by the forest, was gathering sticks in the woods to etch out his living by selling firewood. With greed, he collected a heavy load of sticks. After tying up the pile, he tried to lift it to swing it over his back but of no avail. It was too heavy for him to even move the bundle.

Tired, the old man rested himself on the ground and started groaning. He bemoaned his plight owing to labor, poverty and pain. He mumbled to Yama, the Lord of death to fetch him soon and free him of his troubles. Lord Yama, took instant pity on the old man and appeared before him.

“What can I do for you, I am Yama" said the Lord of death!"
The shocked old man muttered, “I just want you to help me get this load of woods onto my back!"
One thus has to be careful about his wants for they could always come true! Such is the power of one's thoughts.