Most Precious Gift
Uttamasena of Udayagiri was a charitable monarch. He did everything within his power to keep his people content. His subjects were faithful and dutiful towards him. As everyone was occupied with some form of profession, there were few beggars in the kingdom. Those who did resort to begging were generally disabled – lame, blind, or otherwise crippled.
The Frustrated Beggar
Soma, a young and able-bodied beggar, was growing restless with the decline in alms. Due to his good health and the potential to work, people were reluctant to give him alms. One day, after an unsuccessful day of begging, a dejected Soma sat under a tree. Overcome by despair, he cried out, questioning why God had abandoned him in his hunger and need, leaving him to starve to death.
The King’s Intervention
His cries grabbed the attention of King Uttamasena, who happened to be passing by. He confronted Soma, questioning why he was so critical of God. When Soma bitterly claimed that a God who wouldn’t feed him was better off dead, the king proposed a deal. He offered to feed Soma, but only if he agreed to part with a piece of his body in exchange, offering a different price for an arm, a leg, or an eye.
Lessons from the King
Realizing the value of his physical abilities over any sum of money, Soma declined the king’s offer. In response, the King imparted an important lesson. He highlighted the invaluable gifts God had already provided Soma with, his strong and able body. He urged Soma to use these gifts wisely and work to become self-reliant. Struck by the truth in the king’s words, Soma decided to give up begging and instead make productive use of his God-given abilities, becoming one of the most industrious individuals in the kingdom.
The Mysterious Ways of a Bee
Just like us, bees find their way by taking note of the peculiarities of their surroundings. Some experts believe that bees remember the flowers they visit on their way out of the hive and reverse the route to return home. It is probably a matter of instinct.