11 - Great Understanding In Young Age

It was the festival of Diwali. All went out wearing new clothes. Devba was at home feeling sad. Abjibhai entered the house playfully. He asked Devba, ‘Ma, why are you looking sad?’

Devba replied, ‘Today everyone goes to the temple wearing new clothes, but you do not have new clothes.’ Abjibhai consoled her, ‘My clothes are washed and clean. I do not want new clothes.’

Panchabhai said regretfully, ‘Son! you are wise and understanding, therefore you do not demand. If I had money, I would have bought you new clothes and sweets.’ Abjibhai tried to reconcile his parents, ‘Only money does not give happiness. Great kings have a lot of money, but are all of them happy? Simplicity gives real pleasure.’

Abjibhai continued, ‘Ma, please do not worry. Man does not look good by wearing good clothes. He should be pure within. This pleases God. Outer beautification does not make one pure.’

Devba was overwhelmed with joy. Tears rolled down her eyes. Abjibhai wiped the tears of his mother and said, ‘Ma, If we do not posses anything, there are no obstacles in worshipping God. Worship and prayer of God give real happiness.

Panchabhai and Devba felt peaceful after listening to such statements from Abjibhai. Abjibhai wore his daily clothes which were washed and clean. He went to the temple with his friends.

His parents were also proud of such a cultured and sensible son.

Difficult words:
Reconcile - Explain to pacify
Simplicity - Of humble background
Overwhelmed - Over powered through emotions

Points to ponder:
- Money does not give real happiness in life.
- Abjibhai teaches that if the parents are not well to do financially. We should not insist or demand things.
- If a person is not pure within, outer beautification does not make him look beautiful. Less possessions in life make it more convenient to worship God.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. Why was Devba feeling sad?
2. What did Abjibhai say Devba?
3. What gives real happiness?
4. How did Devba and Panchabhai feel peaceful?

Fill in the blanks:
1. Why do you look ___________?
2. Son, you are __________ and therefore you do not demand.
3. Outer ______ does not make man ________.
4. ________ is pleased by the inner _________.