How Should one Help Another in Distress?
One evening, a certain blind, old man was walking along a road, singing a song to the accompaniment of a harp in his hand. He had been once a very good singer and player of the harp, but now he had become old and blind. He could hardly earn enough money to buy at least one meal a day. Suddenly, he slipped and fell down on the road. Three boys passing by rushed towards him, lifted him up and his harp also. One of the boys said, “Let us take this old man home.”
The second one said, “It will not solve the problem, though that is the easiest way.”
The third boy said, “We must make some sacrifice and do some real service to the old man.”
The first boy said, “Please cheer up. We shall try to help you.”
The second boy took up the harp and tuned it.
The third boy began to sing a song to the accompaniment of the harp.
Soon, people began to gather around them. The boys sang so sweetly and movingly that everyone threw a coin into the bowl of the first boy, who was walking round. After an hour, when the crowd had dispersed, the boys counted the money, put the amount in a cover, and gave it to the old man.
The old man felt so happy that he shed tears of joy and said, ”Oh, my dear ones, how can I ever thank you? Will you not tell me your names?”
“My name is Faith”.
“My name is Hope”.
“My name is Love,” cried out the boys, “Grandpa, may we take leave of you now?”
The old man could well understand the situation. He realised his mistake. Had he not lost faith, hope, and love in himself and in others? How nicely these ads had taught him a lesson!
Questions :
- Why did not the boys take the old man home or give him some money at once?
- What is the real purpose behind their plan?
- What are the three important qualities that everyone should have?
Source – Stories for Children – II, Published by – Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust, Prashanti Nilayam