The Foolish Son

A wise old man in India had only one son, who was lazy and refused to work. One day the old man told his son, "Why don't you learn to trade and earn thousands of rupees?" The son agreed. "I'll sail to the island of Java and come back a rich man," he promised.

To said to Java, he needed a big ship, lots of gold coins to do business, and what's more, it would take 12 full years for the journey - 3 years to reach there, 3 years to return and 6 years for trading.

The old man was already 80, but he had faith in his son and bought him 3 ships. He sent 4 of his best men - the accountant, the minister, the advisor and the treasurer - on the journey to Java. The lazy son was the leader.

3 years passed. The group reached the island. Yet the son showed no urgency in doing business. He whiled away 4-6 months in leisure and relaxation.

The accountant reminded him, "Come, let us begin to trade. What have we come here for?"

Instead of replying, the lazy son gave a senseless order, "Go out and buy the most expensive thing in this place."

It so happened, that in Java, things like gold, pearls, jewels and ornaments were being sold at a very low price because they were in abundance.

The minister advised, "Master, let us purchase these here and we can make a bumper profit back home by selling them at a high price."

"No, No! We must not buy cheap things." So they kept hunting for the most expensive item on sale in the market. And the most expensive things on the whole of Java island were stones!

"Minister, invest all our money in buying these stones," ordered the son.

"But Master, we have plenty of stones such as these back home. The are worthless. Instead, let us purchase the gold and jewellery," the Minister protested.

But the son refused to listen.

He spent 6 years searching for, and collecting stones. All his advisors silently watched in horror as the 3 ships were eventually loaded with stones of varying shapes and sizes.

Finally, the son ordered his crew for the journey home. Back home, everyone was eagerly awaiting the return of the expedition.

The ships pulled into harbour. Father and son embraces each other. Then the old man asked, "O son, the great adventurer, what have you brought to our people from the far lands?"

"Stones!"

"I am 92 years old. I have enough experience in these matters. So stop fooling and tell us the truth," the father lovingly admonished.

"Honestly, father, I have brought shiploads of stones." So saying, he ordered his men to unload some samples.

People around were shocked into silence. The family's reputation had received a severe blow, ruining it forever.

As for the stones, they have to be thrown deep into the sea because the were too circular to be of any use even in building houses.

Moral of the story: Collecting material wealth is like gathering stones. It is of no value at all. Only when we spend our lives enriching our soul and collecting the inner wealth of knowledge will our life on earth be worthwhile.

From the little book: Love Stories of a different kind