The Ego and its negative Effects (777)
An attitude of gratitude.(A story from the Upanishads)
Once upon a time the Aryavarta in India was ruled by a powerful emperor. The emperor was basically a good man but the only problem with him was he was highly egoistic. He always used to boast his greatness in each and everything and some of the good people were not happy with this negative quality of the emperor. Hence they all went to Yajnyavalkya Maharshi and requested him to reform their emperor.
Accordingly Yajnyavalkya Maharshi had visited the court of this emperor
and he was very well received by the emperor and he said, “Maharshi ! I
am very happy to see you here in my court and I am sure you will be
happy to notice the richness of this very big hall, golden throne and my
people are very happy and comfortable. I request you to join me for
lunch tomorrow.” After some time the Maharshi went back to rest and next
day he visited the great emperor.
The emperor
received the Maharshi and his followers and requested them to be seated.
Then the emperor said, “Maharshi, I am very happy that you have
personally come to visit my court and also my home (palace). You might
have seen the seat on which you are sitting is made of pure gold and
studded with costly diamonds and even my throne is also made up of pure
gold and studded with diamonds which are very expensive.”
Maharshi,
“you also might have seen this big house of mine and see the pillars,
they are also gold coated and studded with very precious stones. Now I
invite you to have food with me.” Maharshi, “Please sit on this golden
seat, even my seat is also made up of pure gold and studded with
precious stones.”
