A Wise Disciple

In a forest, there lived a hermit who had picked up an abandoned child from the outskirts and nurtured him. The child grew up to be a young man named Govind.

Govind was humble and intelligent. The hermit taught him yoga and scriptures, and he absorbed these lessons eagerly. He often asked the hermit questions about life beyond the forest.

One day, Govind inquired, “Master! How do the people in the villages and towns live?” The hermit endeavored to explain worldly life. After a while, he suggested, “My son, why don’t you go and enjoy the pleasures of life?”

“How can I, Master? I have no means to do that!” replied Govind. The hermit instructed him, “Go and meet the king. Tell him that I have sent you. He is the richest man, just as you are the poorest, but he will provide all you need to live happily.”

Govind proceeded to the palace, where he discovered the king alone in the shrine, offering prayers. Given the hermit’s respect, Govind was permitted to approach. As he sat on the verandah, he overheard the king beseeching the deity, “O Lord, kindly grant me more wealth, more fame, and more power!”

Quietly, Govind left the palace. Some officials called after him, “O young hermit, won’t you wait? The king will come out soon!” But Govind dismissed them and hurried back to the hermitage in the forest.

“What happened? Why did you come back?” the hermit asked. Govind replied, “Master, how can I beg anything of a beggar? I heard the king asking the Lord for more money. If he is not happy with all he has, how could I possibly be content with what he would give me? Moreover, why shouldn’t I pray to the same Lord for whatever He thinks is good for me?”

“You are wise, my son!” the hermit said with a kind smile.