The Pursuit of Wealth

The lion, king of the jungle, enlisted a youthful and agile monkey to relocate his den and its belongings from one cave to another, as he desired to construct a majestic den for himself and his kin.

The monkey, punctual and diligent, fulfilled his duties with unwavering devotion and honesty. Despite working more than what was expected, the monkey found contentment in the promise of one hundred sacks of coconuts and a lush banana garden from his employer upon task completion.

Occasionally, the monkey would tire during work and consider taking a brief rest. However, the promise of one hundred sacks of coconuts and a banana garden from the lion would urge him to continue working. Even when tempted by the playful antics of other monkeys, he would recall the promised rewards and return to his tasks. 

It wasn’t that the lion lacked honesty in fulfilling the pledge; indeed, the lion remained true to his word.

Time drifted by. Years elapsed. Then arrived the moment when the lion, the ruler of the jungle, bestowed upon the monkey one hundred sacks of coconuts and a banana garden, and set him free.

Surrounded by the abundance of coconuts and banana trees, the monkey pondered, “What use do I have for these possessions now? My teeth are worn, how can I consume them? My claws dulled, my limbs weakened from a lifetime of toil. How can I savor this wealth?”

This story mirrors the reality of life today!

Let’s not allow the pursuit of wealth to rob us of present joys. While money is essential for meeting our physical needs, becoming consumed by its pursuit renders us physically incapable of truly living. 

Engrossed in earning, we forfeit the pleasures of the moment. Ultimately, we amass wealth, yet it fails to bring fulfillment until it’s too late, and we depart this world, leaving it all behind.

Let’s glean a lesson from the tale of this monkey. Many spend their lives chasing wealth, sacrificing desires along the way. Yet, upon retirement, they may find themselves unable to enjoy what they’ve accumulated. Meanwhile, the next generation steps in to take care of the family. Will these children comprehend the sacrifices made for such wealth? The dreams left unfulfilled, the desires sacrificed, and the struggles endured?

What’s the point of amassing wealth over a lifetime if it can’t be fully enjoyed? As election campaigns unfold, some parties are pledging to reintroduce inheritance tax if they win. So keep this in mind.

No one can purchase back time, so cherish every moment. Keep yourself busy but also be at ease.

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–Kaushal Kishore 

image: pinterest