We Canadians

Buddha was in deep thought about  worldly activities and the ways of instilling goodness in human beings. One of his disciples approached him and said humbly, “Oh my teacher ! While you are so much concerned about the world and others, why don’t you look into the welfare and needs of your own disciples also.”
 
Buddha : “OK.. Tell me how I can help you?”

Disciple : “Master! My attire is worn out and it is beyond decency to wear the same. Can I get a new one, please?”

Buddha saw the robe  was indeed in a bad condition.  He asked the store keeper to give the disciple  a new robe.  The disciple thanked Buddha and retired to his room.  A while later, Buddha went to his disciple’s place and asked “Is your new attire comfortable? Do you need anything more ?”

Disciple : “Thank you my Master.  The attire is indeed very comfortable.  I need nothing more.”

Buddha : “Having got the new one, what did you do with your old attire?”

Disciple : “I am using it as my bed spread.”

Buddha : “Good.  I hope you have disposed off your old bed spread”

Disciple : “No master.  I am using my old bedspread as a window curtain.”

Buddha : “What about your old curtain?”

Disciple : “It is being used to handle hot utensils in the kitchen.”

Buddha : “Oh.. I see.. Can you tell me what did they do with the old cloth they used in the kitchen?”

Disciple : “It is being used to wash the floor.”

Buddha :  ”What happened to the old rug being used to wash the floor…?”

Disciple: “Master, since it was torn off so much, we could not find any better use, but to use it as a  twig in the oil lamp, which is right now lit in your study room….”

Buddha smiled in contentment and left for his room.

If  we cannot reach this degree of utilization, can we at least attempt to find the best use of all our resources at home and in office?

We need to handle wisely, all the resources earth has bestowed us with  so that they can be saved for the generations to come.

Contributed by: Asha Mehta