Simplicity
Simplicity
All great people have been very simple in dress, speech, and ways of living. Our Sanathana Dharma insists on “Plain living and high thinking.”
How did Gandhi dress himself up? He used to meet even great men, Kings and Governors, Dukes and Duchesses, only in that garb.
Ishwara Chandra Vidyasagar also loved and lived a simple life. He was a very famous educator and a social reformer, so he was invited to many meetings and dinners. Once, he was invited to be guest of honour at a dinner party. He was proud of his traditional dress, wore it, and went to the party. At the gates of the great house, the watchman would not allow him in, because he was not dressed properly.
Vidyasagar went home and after some time, he returned. This time, he was dressed in a suit and tie and appeared to be a gentleman. The watchman did not recognise him. “This way, sir, please go in, sir,” said the watchman.
All the guests sat down to dinner. They all turned towards Vidyasagar, because he was the chief guest. He was not eating anything; but with a spoon, he took each item of food and offered it to his shirt and coat. The guests were very much surprised and thought, “What is the matter?” Just then, the host appeared and said, “Sir, why are you not eating? Why are you acting in this strange way?” Vidyasagar replied, “When I came here first in a dhoti, I was not allowed to enter, but, once I had changed into European clothes, I was welcomed. So, I feel it is the clothes that deserve this dinner and not me.”
The host and the other guests understood. The host came and took both the hands of Vidyasagar and said, “Sir, I am really sorry.”
Questions :
- Why was Vidyasagar not admitted by the gatekeeper?
- What did he do then?
- Why were the guests surprised?
- What was the reply of Vidyasagar?
Source – Stories for Children – II, Published by – Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust, Prashanti Nilayam