It was a long time ago. A renowned sage taught children from various kingdoms and ordinary families in his serene and spacious Gurukul. His Gurukul was renowned far and wide for its excellent discipline, excellent education, and high ideals. From princes to peasants, everyone received equal education there.
Years of rigorous austerity, study, and discipline had culminated in the disciples' education today. The disciples were preparing to return to their homes with great excitement and pride when suddenly the sage's loud and serious voice echoed throughout the ashram premises:"Sons! Gather in the field."
Upon hearing the command, the disciples immediately obeyed and reached the open field. The sage looked at everyone and said with a smile, "Dear disciples, today is your last day in this Gurukul. Before you leave, I want you all to participate in a race. This will not be an ordinary race, but an obstacle race. You will not only have to run fast, but also jump over high obstacles in several places, wade through mud and water, and finally cross a dark tunnel to reach the goal. Are you all ready?"
All the disciples replied in unison, "Yes, Guruji, we are ready!"
At Guruji's signal, the race began. All the disciples began running forward at a steady pace. They leaped over tree roots, traversed the muddy path, and dodged stones until they finally reached the dark tunnel.
The tunnel was completely dark inside, and there were sharp stones everywhere, causing unbearable pain upon stepping on them. Upon seeing the tunnel, one disciple said, "This is difficult, but the Guru has ordered, we must cross it!"
The disciples, who had been moving at the same pace until now, began behaving differently upon entering the tunnel.
Some began running faster and trying to push others ahead.
Some disciples continued to move cautiously to avoid injury.
And some even picked up sharp stones lying on the path, throwing them aside or tucking them into their waistbands to prevent injury to those following them.
Finally, all the disciples finished the race and gathered before the Guru.
The sage asked in a calm voice, "Sons! I see that some of you finished the race very quickly, while others finished late. Why is this?"
A disciple came forward and said, "Gurudev, the situation changed as soon as we entered the tunnel. Some people pushed others to get ahead, some moved slowly to avoid injury, and some picked up stones and put them in their pockets to save others from pain. Therefore, everyone's time varied."
The sage smiled and said, "Okay! Those who picked up stones, come forward and show me."
Some disciples came forward and opened their waistbands and took out the stones. But the sight that unfolded astonished everyone—those stones were actually precious diamonds!
All the disciples looked at the sage in amazement. The sage said, "Sons, I placed these diamonds in the tunnel. This is my gift to those who, even in the race of life, have the ability to think of others. This was the true test of charity."
Then the sage said in a serious tone, "This race symbolizes the hustle and bustle of life. Everyone in life races to achieve something, but only those truly prosper who, even in this race, never cease to consider the well-being of others. Remember—the building of success is only strong when it is built with the bricks of philanthropy. That will be your most valuable asset."
The disciples touched Guruji's feet and took this great teaching to heart for life.
Read more : - The Crooked Tree
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