The rich banker
The Nizam of Hyderabad was a very, very rich man. But he did not live a rich man. For example, he wore an old and shabby cap on his heat. People say that he did not like to spend money.
Some people do not like to spend money because this:-
a) They afraid they will become poor if they spend it.
b) they like to collect money like some collect stamps
c) they want to have more money than anybody else
d) They think people will respect them only if they have a lot of money.
Long ago, there lived a banker in the city of Lahore. His name was Duni Chand. He was very rich, but he was also very greedy and dishonest.
One day, Guru Nanak arrived in the city. Duni Chand hurried to the Guru and invited him to a special feast. Guru Nanak accepted the invitation.
It was a magnificent feast. When everyone had finished, Duni Chand turned to Guru Nanak. ``I am a rich man. I have a lot of money,’’ he said. `If I can do anything for you, please tell me’.
Guru Nanak sat for a moment, thinking deeply. He looked around at the grand house, the rich carpets and the fine golden dishes. Then, he put his hand in his pocket, and took out a tiny needle. He helped up the needle and said, please keep this needle safely and give it back to me when we meet in the next world.’ And the Guru left the feast.
Duni Chand felt very proud. The Guru had given him an important task. He took the needle and showed it to his wife. He told her what the Guru Nanak had told him. To his complete surprise, she burst out laughing.
`Oh, my poor husband!’’ she laughed. ``Go back and ask Guru Nanak how you can take it to heaven wit you.’’
Duni Chand was confused. He hurried after the Guru Nanak. ``Guru Nanak, Guru Nanak,’’ he called. ``Please tell me one thing before you go how I can take this needle with me when I die?’’
The guru Nanak looked at Duni Chand and said, ``If you cannot take a tiny needle with you when you die, ow are you going to take all your riches? When you go to the next world, people will remember you only for good things you have done in this world.’’
Duni Chand thought about the Guru’s words and understood the truth in them. He felt ashamed of is actions and from that day on, he and his wife used their wealth to help the poor.
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