Our Director, Venkat Krishnan, was sent this simple story and he shared it with all of his colleagues at GiveIndia. We, in turn, are sharing it with you.
One day, Buddha was in deep thought about the ways of instilling goodness in human beings. One of his disciples approached him and said humbly "Oh my teacher! While you are so concerned about the world and others, why don't you look into the welfare and needs of your own disciples as well?"
Buddha said "Alright, tell me how I can help you". The disciple replied "Master, my attire is worn out and is not decent. Can I have a new one, please?"
Buddha found that the robe was in a bad condition and needed replacement. He asked the store keeper to give the disciple a new robe. The disciple thanked Buddha and retired to his room.
A while later, Buddha went to his disciple and asked him "Is your new attire comfortable? Do you need anything more?" His disciple answered "Thank you Master. The attire is very comfortable. I need nothing more."
Buddha then asked him "Having got the new one, what did you do with your old attire?" The disciple said "I am using it as my bed spread." Buddha wondered "Then I hope you have disposed of your old bed spread?" but the disciple replied "No, Master. I am using my old bedspread as my window curtain."
Buddha naturally asked "What about your old curtain?" to which the disciple answered "It is being used to handle hot utensils in the kitchen.". Buddha's questions continued. "Then, can you tell me what happened to the old cloth used in kitchen?" The disciple said "It is being used to wash the floor."
Buddha asked "So then where's the old rag being used to wash the floor?" The disciple humbly replied "Master, since it was totally torn, I could not think of any better use for it, but as the wick in the oil lamp, which lights your study room after sunset."
Buddha smiled in contentment and left for his room.
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