Two friends lived in a town. One of them was a very good person who derived pleasure in helping others, whereas another person was evil- minded and took pleasure in troubling others. The good person tried hard to reform his friend but failed.
When the good person died, he got a place in heaven because of his good deeds. After some time he remembered his friend and wanted to bring him to heaven. He searched for his friend everywhere. Finally, he found his friend on the earth in a dung hill, where he was reincarnated as a worm.
The good person spoke to his friend-
“Do you recognise me?”
The worm said-
“No.”
The good person continued-
“I was your friend in the previous birth; I am now enjoying the pleasures of heaven. I want to take you there.”
The good man compelled the worm to come with him to heaven. The worm refused to go with him and said-
“I am enjoying all the heavenly pleasures in this dunghill.”
However, the good man tried to pull the worm forcibly from the dunghill, but it stuck itself firmly to the dirt .
Disappointed, the good man left the worm in the dung hill and went back to heaven.
It is not possible to reform the evil- minded people through preaching. The path shown by Sri Rama, the diplomacy of Sri Krishna, the compassion of Gautama Buddha, none of these can bring the wicked people to the right path.
Since the sinners have to experience the fruits of the actions of several births, all preaching and advice fall on deaf ears.
Translated by : Dr. Sharada Jayagovind
