Long Time Ago, There was a Sage who was known for his Profound Knowledge and Wisdom. All The Kings of the Country use to send their kids to that Sage’s Ashram for they wanted their son’s to get best of knowledge and Wisdom who would come back to their respective Kingdoms after spending few years of their Lives..
Ages ago in the Ashram dwelt two Friends named Shakti and Sfurti. Both were the best students of the Ashram and were the ones who were Closest to the Master…Shakti and Sfurti were best friends and whatever projects or Responsibilities they took together they always excelled in it. One Fine Morning, the Sage called both the best friends in his Kutir (Cottage) and he announced that their learning was over and it was time for them to go back to their Respective Lives. Shakti, went back to his Kingdom Ullaspur, and became the King.
He was well known and a benevolent King and he made sure that every Citizen of his Kingdom was happy. Sfurti on the other hand was the son of a Brahmin, he went back and served people, started spending his Livelihood on Bhikshas (Daan).
After few years the Sage called for both of them.. Shakti, came in a Golden Chariot, Wealthy Attire, and he bought a lot of Gifts and Presents for the kids in the Ashram. Sfurti came alone, with just a bag in his hand..When both friends met after ages they hugged each other, and tears of joy Rolled over…Sfurti saw the amount of attention Shakti was getting from others who dwelt in the Ashram and seeds of Jealousy crept in..Days Passed, one day Sfurti went to the Rishi and asked why he is being so partial in behaving with him and his best friend. He Shouted at the master and said “I have worked for you all my Life, I Walk bare feet to the houses of the people to serve them, I survive on Bhikshas and I hardly get to overspend on luxuries of Life, whereas on the other hand my Friend Shakti has just Inherited his Father’s throne and is Happily enjoying the Luxuries of Life… Why Such Injustice to me??”
The Sage Thought for a while and he asked Sfurti to go to a nearby village and ask for Bhikshaa from only two homes.. The Wealthiest man of the village and the poorest man of the Village. Next Morning, He set out for his Journey. When he Reached the home of the Wealthiest man and he asked for Bhikshaa, he was welcomed and was lured by the luxuries of life and he got enough to spend his livelihood for a month…He was tired and he kept walking until he reached for the poorest man of the village..An old Lady in shabby Sari welcomed the Brahmin and asked him to come inside. She served him some water and some pieces of Breads.. And bowed in front of him and said “ Sorry Sir, this is all I have for today’s meal and this is all I can give you for Bhikshaa.”With tears in his eyes, he went back to his master after quietly eating his food.
The Master saw the Pain in his eyes and he said “It is not the amount of service you do for others, it is the Bhaav (emotions) that you do service with.”
Moral – When You do Seva, with the purpose of being Recognized, the purpose of doing Seva is not fulfilled. A Little expectation deep inside you, that others should recognize you, praise you is nothing but your EGO.
