The Singer’s Inspiration

A wealthy man visited a holy city. He rented a fine house, yet he found himself unable to sleep the entire night. The reason was simple: a poor man living in a nearby hut sang loudly, filling the night air with his voice.

In the morning, the wealthy man summoned the poor singer and inquired, “What inspired you to sing throughout the night?”

“Sir, it is my misery. I have no money, no food, and no medicine for my ailing wife. The songs come from my deep sorrow,” answered the poor man with a heavy heart.

Moved by his plight, the wealthy man gave him a thousand rupees and said, “I hope this will put an end to your misery.”

“No doubt it will, sir!” exclaimed the poor man with immense joy.

However, the wealthy man found himself once again sleepless the following night; his neighbor was still singing. Frustrated, he sent for the poor man the next morning.

“What made you sing throughout the night even after your misery was over?” he asked. “Sir, it’s joy—sheer joy!” replied the neighbor, a broad smile lighting up his face.