In ancient times, there lived a wealthy couple – prosperous, but without children. They owned a cow and the responsibility of caring for it – feeding it fodder and giving it water, was sincerely and faithfully carried out by a servant named Ramu.
The cow was well looked after. Twice a day, Ramu would milk the cow and deliver the milk to his master’s house.
One day, couple decided to go on a pilgrimage.
They prepared for the journey and before leaving, master said to Ramu, “Brother, take good care of the cow while we are gone. There is enough fodder stocked.
Just milk the cow and take the milk to your home. It may take us a month to return. Don’t worry, here are some coins for your wages and other expenses. Also, please look after the house while we are away.”
The couple left for the pilgrimage.
As instructed, Ramu took good care of both the cow and the house. He would milk the cow and take the milk to his home. But instead of using it, he would pour it in his courtyard, where stray dogs and puppies from the neighborhood would come and lick it clean.
His wife once asked, “What’s the use of wasting this milk? Wouldn’t it be better if our two little children drink it instead? After all, the master told you to bring the milk home.”
Ramu just said, “No, no! Don’t give it to the kids… so they don’t get used to it.”
She didn’t fully understand his reasoning but chose not to argue.
It became Ramu’s routine – bring the milk home and pour it in the courtyard. The dogs and puppies would eagerly consume it daily.
About a month later, the couple returned. Ramu resumed delivering the milk to the master’s house.
That day, there was no milk left for the courtyard. But the neighborhood dogs and puppies still gathered at the usual time. Finding no milk, they began barking and whining loudly.
Ramu’s wife saw this pitiful scene and looked toward her husband questioningly.
He replied, “Dear, now you understand – if I had given that milk to our children, they too would have cried and wailed today like these puppies. That’s why I didn’t let them have it.”
That day, the wife truly understood. One should eat and drink from their rightful earnings, live with self-respect, and remain within their means and dignity.
This story teaches modern society that: Real happiness lies not in chasing comfort blindly, but in leading a balanced life with thoughtful habits.
This story leaves us with valuable lessons, but it also invites us to reflect deeper:
Could children learn to enjoy small comforts responsibly for a limited time and then stop, without forming bad habits?
How do we balance between allowing indulgences and teaching restraint?
What do you think? I’d love to hear your views – Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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