One day, a great Mahatma arrived in a small village. News of his arrival spread like wildfire. It was said that he was a highly accomplished man and that the life of those he blessed could be transformed. People from far and wide began to come to see him. Even the king of the kingdom decided to visit the village himself to see him.
The entire village erupted into a festive celebration in preparation for the king's arrival. A security cordon was erected around the village. Ministers and soldiers had already arrived. The buzz everywhere was, "Today, the king is coming to see the Mahatma."
In the same village, lived a very poor farmer. His crops had been completely ruined for some time. The rains hadn't come on time, the fields were parched, and the condition of his house had deteriorated. Right in front of his hut was a small pond, now filled with only a little muddy water.
On the morning of the king's arrival, the farmer went out and noticed the pond. He saw a beautiful lotus flower blooming amidst the mud and a little water. He was astonished. The blooming of a lotus flower out of season was nothing short of miraculous.
The farmer thought to himself,"I'm not earning anything from farming anyway. If I sell this flower in the market, maybe I can earn some money and cover my household expenses."
He jumped into the pond without delay. His feet were sinking in the mud. With great difficulty, he reached the lotus. After much struggle, he plucked the flower. His body was covered in mud, but a beautiful lotus flower in his hand—a faint smile appeared on his face.
He decorated the flower with banana leaves and headed straight for the market. Drops of water still glistened on the flower. People were astonished to see it. Everyone started asking each other,"Where did this lotus flower come from out of season?"
Just then, a rich man arrived and said,"Brother, I'll give you two silver coins. Give me this flower. I'll offer it to the Mahatma."
The farmer was still bargaining when the village's most prominent businessman arrived. He said,"Hey, give it to me. I'll give you ten silver coins."
The farmer was astonished. From two to ten! Just then, the king's minister arrived. He saw the lotus and realized it would be a perfect gift for the king. The minister said,"I'll give you one hundred silver coins. This flower is needed for the king."
The crowd grew larger. Just then, the king himself arrived. When he learned the whole story, he said,"I'll give you one thousand silver coins. Give me this flower. I'll offer it to the Mahatma myself."
The farmer remained silent for a moment. Then he said in a calm voice,"Maharaj, now this flower has become so precious that you yourself are willing to give a thousand coins. So why don't I offer it to Mahatmaji? With his blessings, generations will be blessed."
With this, the farmer took the flower to Mahatmaji without delay. He somehow made his way through the huge crowd. As he placed the lotus at Mahatmaji's feet, tears began to flow from his eyes. The tears fell on the lotus petals.
The farmer said through tears,"Maharaj, I had nothing to give. I just found this flower today. I was thinking of using it to support my household. But when I learned how precious it was, I decided to offer it to you. I don't want money, I just want your blessings."
Mahatmaji looked at the farmer affectionately and said to his disciples,"This is true devotion. Without show, without selfishness. God is pleased not with money, but with feeling. The feeling this farmer has offered is the greatest gift."
This story teaches that God is pleased not with wealth but with pure and holy feelings. True blessings are showered only on the one who goes to the feet of the Lord with true devotion and heart.
Read more : - The King and the Green Horse
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