STRONG OR WEAK

                                        STRONG OR WEAK

There was a proud teak tree in the forest. He was tall and strong. There was a small herb next to the tree.

The teak tree said, “I am very handsome and strong. No one can defeat me”. Hearing this the herb replied, “Dear friend, too much pride is harmful. Even the strong will fall one day”.

The teak ignored the herb’s words. He continued to praise himself.

A strong wind blew. The teak stood firmly. Even when it rained, the teak stood strong by spreading its leaves.

At the same time, the herb bowed low. The teak made fun of the herb.

One day there was a storm in the forest. The herb bowed low. As usual the teak did not want to bow.

The storm kept growing stronger. The teak could no longer bear it. He felt his strength giving way.

He fell down. This was the end of the proud tree. When everything was calm the herb stood straight. He looked around. He saw the proud teak had fallen.

GUILT WIPED OUT

GUILT WIPED OUT

Ramakrishna, a man of high integrity and virtues, was an advocate in Madras High Court. He was a very noble and wise person. All these virtues inherited by his children also. Ramakrishna’s wife, Sarda, was a fitting consort to him. The eldest boy was at the top of his class. The others were young and not yet grown-up for the school-going age.

One day a young Brahmin boy came to him. The boy asked Ramakrishna, if he can be an assistant in his kitchen. Since, he is looking for a job and couldn’t find any. He has passed Seventh grade, and was forced to leave the school. His father is dead and his mother is making a living by begging from door to door. Let me work for you, he pleaded with the advocate, Ramakrishna. I do not want any wages, I will be content if you give me food.

Ramakrishna made enquiries about the boy and out of pity, told his wife, that he may be useful and assist  in the kitchen in cooking and in other odd jobs. “No” said his wife Sarda. ”Give him few coins and send him away “ she said. Ramakrishna then made her understand that “These boys would be spoiled if given alms “. It will become their habit and then they would not work at all. It is better to make them work and feed them. “We shall engage him and watch for few days.” Having heard that, Sarda agreed and the boy was employed to assist in the kitchen.

It was the third day in the house, when Sarda noticed that the boy was missing. Two silver tumblers and a cup disappeared from the almirah. Sarda was furious and angry about the decision. She asked her husband to report to the police (cops) giving the identification of the boy and they would be able to trace him down. Ramakrishna didn’t want the matter to be reported to the police. He stuck to his resolve of not  reporting to the police. Just because of a small theft, the boy becomes bad. He was an innocent looking boy and seemed such a good boy, Ramakrishna told Sarda. Sarda was not able to understand why his husband is not reporting  this matter to the police. “ I too was a thief when I was young”  said Ramakrishna. Sarda was taken aback. Then he explained to her, he was send for education by his parents to a rich man’s house for boarding and lodging. He was a very good man. Seeing the cash in his coat pocket, I was tempted and stole cash from his pocket one day. Unfortunately, without suspecting me he thought that his servant boy was guilty of the theft and dismissed him from the service after giving him a severe thrashing.

“At lunch time, I would be very hungry. I stole the money to still my hunger, to buy fruits and other eatables from the vendors. After that I was scared and stopped stealing further. I repent for my sin. The cries of the servant who loudly protested his innocence when he was blamed and beaten still ring in my ears,” ended Ramakrishna.

Seeing Ramakrishna, Sarda said softly, “Sita Devi has said, ‘who is there in the world who has not been guilty of something or the other?’”

 

 

C.Rajagopalachari : (Names and locations changed in the story for easy reading and understanding).