A wise man once announced to the world: "I have rare and precious knowledge. Anyone who learns it from me will find happiness in this life and the next — and it costs four thousand gold coins."

Word reached the king. He invited the wise man to his court, welcomed him warmly, placed four thousand gold coins before him, and said: "Please, share this knowledge with me."

The wise man smiled and said: "I have four simple rules. Listen carefully."

1. Be content with whatever your master gives you. If you truly cannot be, then find another master.

2. Never do anything that goes against dharma or that God has not approved. If you are forced into such a situation, leave that place entirely.

3. Never commit a sin — even when no one is watching.

4. Be grateful to God for everything you enjoy in this world. And if something was given to you but you never used it — give nothing back, and don't take credit for it either.

The king sat quietly, lost in thought.

The wise man then said: "If you truly live by these four rules, all your suffering will fade away. Now — take this gold and give it to the poor. I only asked for payment to test you. After all, what is wealth really worth? And what would I even do with it?"

With that, he left.

The Four RulesThe King's Lesson

Balmodini August 2024