A saint was walking along a crowded road,where he saw a child begging by the wayside.The child called out of each and every passer-by, Give me something in the name of God! Give me some bread ! Give me some money. Alas, my parents are blind. Help me to feed them, in the name of God!
The saint said to the child , why do you need to beg, my boy ? You are rich!” The bigger boy was taken aback. Alas! Sir, I am poor! My parents are blind and we live on the alms I get.
The saint smiled. He said to the boy , “I shall give you ten thousand rupees. Five thousand for each of your hands. Will you cut them and give them to me ?” “How can I do that ?” Cried the boy in horror. “What about your feet then ?” Continued and Saint. I will give you five thousand for each feet. Will you cut them off for me ? The boy shook his head, speechless with shock. All right then, give me your eyes and I shall give you ten thousand rupees. How cruel you are ! The boy burst out , will you disfigure and deform me for life ?
My dear boy, the Saint replied,Good has given you such precious healthy limbs and you are not making use of them! Why are you begging when you can work hard and earn your daily bread and live with self respect ? You are wasting the wealth that God God blessed you with!
The boy realised his mistake. He was so influenced by the Saint that he touched his feet and threw away the money that he had begged. He said, I promise, I will work hard and will lead a respectful life.