(continued) I have heard a story about a girl who was recently married. The girl was from a very poor family, and the groom's family had asked for a large some of money. She had became weary and disheartened. She had also become somewhat older in age. She said to her father, Pitaji! You borrow the money and get me married to him, don't be too concerned about it at this time, I will straighten things out later on. Do not give this money as if it were a charity (as part of kanya daan), rather give is as if it were a loan. She was then married, and her family gave a large sum of money to the groom. After she went to her husband's house she commanded him - "Bring my shoes." The astonished husband, said -"Your shoes!!! And I should bring them?!" She said - " my father has paid a very large sum of money. He has purchased you, don't you remember?" "How much money did it take? Said the groom. The bride said, "lacs of rupees." Now the groom lost his appetite. The groom's mother said, "what is the matter son, why do you not eat?" The groom replied "the woman that I married, she goes to the extent of asking me to bring her shoes." "Why is this new bride saying so?" the mother asked. The bride is saying "My father has incurred enormous expenses for the wedding. He has taken a loan to spend for the wedding and to give to the groom. The groom is therefore my servant, he will have to bring my shoes." The groom said - "I will not lift your shoes, and if this is the case, I will not eat." She said "You are my father's servant. My father has given you money. Don't you know it? You have not come for free, and at no cost! He made all sorts of arrangements, by taking a loan of a large sum of money" After hearing all of this the groom's family returned the money and the bride began to behave properly thereafter. Girls are an embodiment of humility and modesty. By scorning them in this manner, is a great dishonor in the society. It is a very sad thing! You spend extravagantly, but when the money is not adequate you resort to dishonest means. It is much deceit. The outcome will be very bad. Those who are dishonest their "atma" (soul, self) will not be at peace. The wealth that is accumulated from giving suffering and pain to other, that wealth will come and burn like fire. (to be continued) |