The Noblest Virtue

Of all the noble virtues, contentment is the noblest. It gives immense happiness with whatever we have. Those who are not contended, remain unhappy throughout. A king who craves for more land, wealth and power, is worst than a poor man, who is contented with the little he has. Our saints have led an examplary life of contentment. This reminds us the life of one of the great saints---Guru Ravidass ji.

Ravidass ji was living in a small hut and doing his job. Simultaneously he was keeping his mind attached with the Lord. He was happy and contended. Although he happened to be the spiritual Guru of King Pipa and even of Meera Bai who belonged to the royal family. But despite having the royal dignitaries as his disciples, he was content to live in his hut and never complained or asked for more.

Someone taunted at Meera Bai, ‘You are living in great luxury whereas your Guru is living just in a small hut. Is not it shameful for you?’ Meera was hurt by the comments. She took a precious diamond and went to Guru Ravidass ji and wilh folded hands said, ‘Gurudev, It does not behove us that our Guru should live in a such a poor hut made of straws. I have brought a precious diamond and I request you to please sell it and make a large cottage for yourself.’ Ravidass ji said that he was quite contended with what he had. If Meera felt ashamed of coming to him, she may better stay at home and meditate.’ Still Meera persisted and finally left the diamond wrapped in a cloth in between the straws of the roof and pleaded, ‘Gurudev I am leaving the diamond here, please make use of it for the purpose of building a new cottage.’

After sometime, Meera visited Guru Ravidass ji again. She was surprised to see that there was no change. He was still living in the same hut. Meera eagerly enquired about the diamond, which she had left for him. Guru Ravidass ji said, It must be there where you kept it. And Meera was astonished to find the diamond in the roof at the same place.

This is just one example of contentment. If we peep into the lives of our saints and spiritual leaders, we will be just surprised to find what a simple life they led.