Stories

TRULY NOBLE

A rich old man divided his property equally among his three sons. But he kept a precious diamond ring for himself. When he was asked why, he replied, ”After all, I have only one diamond ring. Dividing it is an impossibility. I want to find out whom among the three is the noblest, to him will go my diamond ring. And so, the three of you can go off by yourselves and do something that you think is really noble. Come back here in two weeks and I will judge.”

The three sons went in three different directions. Time flew very swiftly. The appointed day came. The three brothers returned to their father’s house. One by one they started narrating their acts of nobleness,

The eldest began thus: “Listen father! One day a stranger came to me. He gave all his wealth and requested me to keep it safely till he came back to get it. I said, ‘yes’. Taking my word as a written bond, he walked away. After a few days he came to claim his amount. I might have kept the money, but as I am truly noble, I gave the entire amount back to him with interest added. So now tell me am I worthy of the diamond ring?”

“But my son,” replied the father, “You have only done what all in this world with conscience are expected to do.”

“During my voyage,” started the second son, “a storm blew suddenly, accompanied by rain and thunder. At that time an innocent child standing along on the deck lost his balance and fell into the deep sea. Though everyone pitied the child, no one was bold enough to jump into the sea and save the child. But I plunged into the threatening waves and saved the life of the child. Now tell me father, am I not truly noble?”

 The father replied, “Well done, my son. Indeed you risked your life, and it is a courageous deed. But all who are good men and not cowards at heart would have done the same thing.”

The youngest came out with his experience, “Father! My enemy, while taking rest, was lulled to sleep by a pleasant breeze. He rolled over in his sleep and came very near to a precipice. Another role would have caused his death. I woke him up and saved him from the impending danger, though he was my sworn enemy.”

The father said, “My son, it is you who have done the finest deed. To dismiss enmity and thoughts of revenge from one’s mind needs the noblest heart indeed. You will be the worthy recipient of my diamond ring.”

Reflection:- The higher self, where true nobility resides, has no room for destructive feelings like anger, hate and revenge.

 The End

 

 

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