Once there lived a man who was given to bad habits. He used to steal and was also an alcoholic. Every day he tortured his wife and children. He had two sons who studied in the same school and class. In spite of growing up together in the same house and environment, they were totally different in their behaviour and outlook .The elder son was evil minded like the father, while the younger son was a virtuous person who was praised by all.
Once both of them met a saint. The holy man asked them,
“Who is your inspiration?”
Both of them replied that their father was their inspiration. The holy man was surprised.
The elder son explained,
“I grew up looking at my father’s evil deeds every day. I am like him. What else could I become ?”
The younger son spoke,
“I too grew up looking at my father’s evil deeds. I was pained to see that people had lost respect for him. I decided that I do not want to be like my father and want to be a good person.”
Good and bad surround us every day we should take only the good and develop positive thoughts. This is the way to serve the society and gain peace for oneself.
Translated by : Dr Sharada Jayagovind
