Rule of the Country

A country has a tradition that allowed a king to rule the country for 10 years; and after that he was banished to an uninhabited island which had no means of livelihood and the ex-ruler died a painful death.

Many kings met that fate before a wise man ascended on the throne. He found out the island where he had to go after his tenure; and ordered it to be filled with amenities and created a township full of comforts and wealth. In 10 years the island had been turned into a palace full of wealth and beauty. The king had no problems settling at the island and leading a comfortable life at the end of his royal tenure.

After-life is that island where everybody has to go one day. If we perform good deeds in this life, we will not only earn merit for after-life but will also be happy and prosperous during this life.

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There was a well behaved and friendly rabbit in a forest. All the animals became his friends in no time. Once he fell ill. He had stored some food for bad times so he was not very worried. Everybody who heard of his illness came to meet him and also gorged his food. His store of food was over within a day. He started feeling better after a day but due to weakness he could not go out in search of food and died of hunger.

Friendship of shallow and undeserving friends always proves harmful. It is better to have a few true friends and well-wishers than to have a crowd of fair weather flatterers.

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A king was in search of a knowledgeable Guru for his kingdom. When he could not find any one suitable then he made an announcement; it said that the king would donate land and money for building ashrams. The person who would build the biggest and most beautiful ashram in the shortest time would be made the Rajguru (Royal Teacher).

This was a lucrative offer and many came forward to try their luck. The king took rounds everyday to check the progress of the works. Land given to one saint was lying barren and he had made no attempt to build any structure. he king asked, "Why are you not building the ashram". The purpose of building something is to take care of it and to beautify it. Whole world is my ashram and I focus on taking care of it. How can I take my eyes off this vast universe and focus on something so insignificant and small"

The king understood the real meaning of this physical world and its boundaries. He immediately fell at the ascetic's feet and humbly implored him to be the Rajguru of his kingdom.