Once three persons reached the gates of Swarga (heaven). One of them declared that he was the master of all scriptures and therefore the gates should be opened to let him in. The guardians of the gate said: “You are familiar only with the texts. You have no practical experience. You may leave.”
The second man said: “I have performed many Yagas and Yagnyas” (sacrificial rites and rituals). The guardians told him: “You have performed the sacrifices for selfish aims. You have no place here.”
The third person, a farmer, neared the gates and said: “I am a poor farmer, owning a hut on two acres of land. I have been offering food and drink to passers-by and giving them shelter when necessary. I have shared with them whatever little I had. This is all the sadhana I have been able to practice.”
The guardians said: “You may enter.”
The story illustrates the truth that only those who are prepared to sacrifice what little they have for relieving others in need, are entitled to enter heaven.
~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba
(SSS Vol. 21)
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