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The Religion Of Prayer Vs The Religion Of Gratitude

One day a poor man went to Emperor Akbar's palace. He wanted to request Akbar to give him some money for his son's studies. Akbar was known for not turning away anyone who asked for help.

When the man reached the palace, he saw that Akbar was offering his prayers to God. So he waited with the others outside the prayer hall. When Akbar came out, everybody made their requests and received help from him. Only the poor man turned away, without asking for anything.

But Akbar spotted him and called him back. He asked him, "Why are you leaving without asking for anything?" The man replied, "Your Majesty, I came to ask you for alms, but saw that you yourself were begging!"

If you observe our prayers, you will realize that all of us are actually beggars. We simply ask, ask and ask. Our prayer is nothing but a begging bowl. We beg for material things, for smooth relationships, for power, for achieving our goals, for physical beauty, and what not.

Chat With The Devotees Of Paramahamsa Nithyananda

Story first published: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 11:16 [IST]