Tale of two Gandharvas (Angels) [Sanskrit]

Two Celestial Visitors [Gandharvas] stopped to spend the night
in the home of a wealthy family.
The family was rude and refused to let
them stay in the mansion's guest room.
Instead they were given a space in a godown
at the back of the house.
As they made their bed on the hard floor,
the older Gandharva saw a hole in the wall
and repaired it.

When the younger Gandharva asked why,
the older one replied...
"Things aren't always what they seem".

The next night the pair came to rest
at the house of a very poor,
but very hospitable farmer and his wife.
After sharing what little food they had
the couple let the Gandharvas sleep
in their bed where they could
have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning
the Gandharvas found the farmer and his wife in tears.
Their only goat, whose milk had been their sole income,
lay dead in the field.

The younger Gandharva was infuriated
and asked the older one
"How could you have let this happen!?
The first man had everything, yet you helped him.
The second family had little
but was willing to share everything,
and you let their goat die.".

"Things aren't always what they seem,"
the older Gandharva replied.
"When we stayed in the godown, I noticed there was gold
stored in that hole in the wall.

Since the owner was so obsessed with greed
and unwilling to share his good fortune,
I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it.
Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed,
YAMARAJ, the king of death came for his wife.
I gave him the goat instead.
Things aren't always what they seem.".

Sometimes this is exactly what happens
when things don't turn out the way
they should. If you have faith,
you just need to trust that every outcome
is always to your advantage.
You might not know it until some time later.


Think about this:

Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight;
Just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic;
Don't despair. There are people
in this world for whom driving
is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work;
Think of the man who has been out of work
for the last three months.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad;
Think of the person who has never known
what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend;
Think of the woman in dire straits,
working twelve hours a day, seven days
a week, for $15.00 to feed her family.

Should your car break down,
leaving you miles away from assistance;
Think of the paraplegic who would love
the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror;
Think of the cancer patient in chemo
who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering
what is life all about, asking "What is my purpose;
" Be thankful, there are those who didn't live
long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim
of other people's bitterness, ignorance,
smallness or insecurities; Remember,
things could be worse. You could be them!!!

Should you decide to send this page to a friend;
You might brighten someone's day!

:-)

An inspiring story - thanks for sharing it with us...

the things we take for granted. Especially health. I notice that everytime I get sick how long I have taken my health for granted. Thank you for sharing that.