Sometimes stories pack a punch and that blow suddenly opens you up to a new way of looking at the world. You receive a fresh insight into who you are and what your life is all about. What are your reactions to this story?
Jared was a financier and a very successful one. When he opened his own shop after ten years with a major investment bank, his deals were in eight figures. But he was good at what he did, and the word got around. Within a few years he was routinely involved in multi-billion dollar transactions. In one case he represented both sides in a major merger and his lawyers had to scramble to resolve conflict-of-interest issues. That deal was very lucrative.
Jared lived well. He had multiple mansions, a fleet of private jets, a luxury boat that was certified for trans-oceanic trips and many other baubles.
But peace eluded him. His nights were troubled. He was aware that there was something off-kilter in his life and he hung around spiritual masters when he could.
He invited one master, a renowned sage, to stay with him for a few days so he could imbibe his wisdom and perhaps gain a modicum of calm.
He plied his guest with wines of the finest vintage and viands from all over the world, but the sage gently waved them all away. All he wanted was a handful of rice, some cooked lentils and boiled vegetables. Jared put the holy man in a sumptuous bedroom, but his staff told him that the contemplative slept on the carpet with a sheet to cover himself.
One day Jared confessed his admiration for the renunciation of his revered guest and expressed the hope that one day he, too, could get there.
“No, no, my friend,” protested the holy man, “I am no renunciate. All I have given up are a few things that titillate the senses for a brief while and are then gone. But you? You have chosen a lifestyle that keeps you away from lasting happiness and takes you far from the Kingdom of Heaven. You have foresworn knowledge of who you are as pure spirit. That is a mighty sacrifice.”
“You are, by far, the greater renunciate,” the sage concluded.
What do you think?
Peace!
