The Story of the Businessman and the Pilgrimage
Once there was a businessman whose only motive was to earn money. His son was very concerned that his father was so money-minded. One day, a person came to his shop and requested charity to go on a pilgrimage. The boy explained to the pilgrim about the attitude of his father and then asked his father to accompany the pilgrim to holy places so that there would be a change in him. Thus, the businessman was forcibly sent on a pilgrimage.
The pilgrim took him to a few holy places, but there was no change in the businessman’s attitude. Finally, the pilgrim took the businessman to a crematorium where the businessman saw dead bodies set on fire. The pilgrim noticed a change in the businessman’s face and curiously asked him what he was thinking.
The businessman replied that he was thinking he had not earned enough money by doing his cloth business. He then said, “Seeing so many bodies burning, I think that if I would have done firewood business, I would have earned much more money.”
Then the pilgrim understood that this man was fully engrossed in material life.
Moral of the Story
This story highlights the plight of materialistic people who are so engrossed in their pursuit of wealth and sense gratification that they become oblivious to the true purpose of life. Their intelligence is so clouded by material desires that they are ignorant about their basic dharma and the constitutional position of the soul.
Lessons to be Learned
- Material Obsession:
- The businessman’s obsession with money shows how material desires can cloud one’s judgment and prevent one from understanding the higher purpose of life.
- Ignorance of True Dharma:
- Materialistic people, engrossed in eating, sleeping, mating, and defending, often forget their true dharma and the spiritual goals of life.
- Uncontrolled Senses:
- As Prahlada Maharaj states in Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.30, uncontrolled senses lead to hellish conditions, and such people repeatedly chew that which has already been chewed, meaning they seek temporary material pleasures that never truly satisfy.
- Need for Spiritual Guidance:
- The only way for materialistic people to find true purpose is to take shelter of a mahatma or unalloyed devotee of the Lord. Associating with pure devotees can help cleanse their hearts and minds.
Reflection from Srimad Bhagavatam
Prahlada Maharaj’s verse in Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.30 aptly describes the condition of materialistic people:
matir na krsne paratah svato vaa mitho’bhipadyeta grha-vratanam adanta-gobhir visataam tamisram punah punah carvita-carvanaanaam
“Because of their uncontrolled senses, persons too addicted to materialistic life make progress toward hellish conditions and repeatedly chew that which has already been chewed. Their inclinations toward Krsna are never aroused, either by the instructions of others, by their own efforts, or by a combination of both.”
Conclusion
The story of the businessman serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of material obsession. It emphasizes the need for spiritual guidance and the importance of associating with pure devotees to cleanse the heart and mind.
Prayer
Let us pray for the wisdom to seek spiritual guidance and cleanse our hearts of material desires:
“O Supreme Lord Krishna, guide us to seek the association of pure devotees and cleanse our hearts of material desires. Help us to understand our true dharma and live a life focused on serving You. May we find satisfaction and purpose in devotional service rather than material pursuits.”
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Request for Sharing
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