The King Janushruti : Kids Story To Read Book Online In English
Many many years ago, there lived a very powerful and generous king named, Janushruti. He ruled over a vast and prosperous kingdom of Maharishi.
No one was unhappy in his kingdom. Janushruti took due care of his subjects. He was a just and loving king. Whoever came to the king, would never return empty-handed. He built many roads, wells, rest houses, orphanages, free feeding houses for his people.
People praised him for his kindness, charity and generosity. Stories of his benevolence were recounted even in distant lands. Besides, Janushruti was a God fearing King. He always bowed his head in front of God and thanked Him for providing him the means and the will to do what he could do for his people.
Gradually, over a period of time, Janushruti was overwhelmed by pride and self-praise. He started thinking, "If my people are grateful to me and sing my praises, I rightly deserve it. No other king does so much as I do for my people."
One day, when the King sat engrossed in his own world and thought that he was the most benevolent and praiseworthy of All, he saw two swans pass by The male swan bowed to the King with due respect and asked his mate to do the same. But the female swan smiled and said. "Do not remember the saintly cartman Raikwa? His deeds are greater than the King. But he does favours to others without expecting anything in return.
Whereas, our king longs for praise for the deeds he does. One who does deeds not for earning reward in return, really deserves praise." The King overheard this and was disturbed. He thought. "Though I earn so much of name and fame, my deeds are of no value. I always keep thinking about the praise that I will get in return. The Bird was right.
"The King at once sent out the guards in search of Raikwa. The King's servants and many other courtiers who were surprised at the King's attitude, set out in all directions to find Raikwa.
The King, meanwhile, remained distrubed as the birds' words kept haunting him. The servants found the cartman Raikwa sitting on his cart. They were amazed and said.
"This man does not seem more meritorious than our King. Let's go back and inform our King about this. "They returned and reported to Janushruti. King Janushruti, however, was not angry and made preparations to go and meet this man.
The king arrived at Raikwa's village with his large retinue of royal servants. Raikwa was stunned by this sudden and unannounced arrival of the King. "May God bless you, " blessed the poor cartman.
The King bowed low and saluted the noble man and offered gifts. Raikwa was not interested in the riches, the King offered. The King humbly asked him to show the way to virtuous worship and selfless action. The cartman assured the King his help and looked at the gifts and said, Why do you waste money on a person like me? No wealth can buy the happiness of the soul or earn any spiritual merits. Give it to those who need it". Seeing Raikwa's humility, the King fell to his feet and asked him to impart him some invaluable thoughts. The cartman raised the King and embraced him. "Timeless, ageless, Unborn, Undying, Endless, stationary yet the Moving.
Formless yet the cause of all forms, all actions all knowledge, indeed knowledge itself is the Spirit,"Raikwa told the King and his people. He proceeded further, "We all offer our prayers to Him and remember Him with different names.
Though, We have different conceptions of Him, He is one. We all are scattered parts of Him just like the Sun which sprinkles its light all over. Ultimately we all confluent and arise from the one and only almighty God. "Raikwa's face shone bright. "Do as much good as you can for your subjects but never let pride control you. Never let ego behold your consciousness. The work you do is Lord's wish. "said Raikwa. His words moved the King and his men.
They were greatly impressed by the words of the cartman. The King pleaded the cartman to accept the gifts. At last,he accepted them.
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