Giving from the depths of our divine essence!

There once reigned a king named Janashruti, whose heart was as vast as his kingdom. His deeds were renowned far and wide, for he believed himself to be the epitome of generosity, measuring his worth by the gifts he bestowed upon his people. But little did he know that the whispers of truth were woven in the wings of two swans, whose conversation carried profound revelations.

One fateful night, as Janashruti reclined in his palace, the swans spoke of his fame. One praised his abundance of charity, while the other cautioned against the flames of vanity that threatened to consume him. Their discourse led to the mention of Raikva, a humble cart-puller unknown to the glittering halls of fame yet revered for his inner peace. Intrigued and restless, Janashruti set forth on a quest to find Raikva, a task that proved difficult yet enlightening.

When he finally stood before the simple yet wise Raikva, he offered grand gifts in exchange for spiritual wisdom. But Raikva, true to his essence, refused material offerings, teaching Janashruti that true knowledge cannot be bought or sold. Through persistence and sincerity, Janashruti eventually earned the profound teachings he sought. Raikva spoke –

“O king! Have neither pride nor vanity for the charities that you dispense. Go to your palace. Give generously but not with the sense of self-centeredness. Give but not with the feeling as something that is yours, but as something given to you by the Divine for giving to others. He who sees this truth becomes the enjoyer of things.”

Enlightened by Raikva’s words, Janashruti returned to his kingdom, understanding the true essence of giving. He continued his charitable deeds not for acclaim but as a sacred duty bestowed upon him by the Divine. And in honoring this truth, he found contentment and became the true enjoyer of life’s blessings.

The village that once bore his name now echoed with the legacy of Raikva, a reminder that humility and sincerity are the pillars of spiritual growth. Thus, the tale of Janashruti and Raikva transcends time, teaching us the profound art of giving from the depths of our divine essence.