Mendicant at Last
“A Family’s Choice: In the serene twilight of their village, Chowdhury embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, surrounded by the unwavering love of his family.”
Chowdhury’s Reflection
Chowdhury was a millionaire. Although the means by which he amassed his wealth were not entirely fair, that did not make him an entirely bad person. If he had been, the thought of becoming a mendicant would not have crossed his mind after he turned sixty.
Confiding in His Wife
One day, he confided in his wife, “The life I have led cannot be called clean. To rid myself of the unhappy consequences of my actions, I must concentrate on God. This will only be possible if I go away as a mendicant!”
“I must accompany you,” said his wife.
A Family’s Decision
Soon, Chowdhury’s mother learned of her son’s intentions. “How can I continue to live in luxury while my millionaire son wanders as a mendicant? I too must leave this world with him,” she declared.
Even Chowdhury’s young son expressed his determination to join him as a mendicant. This declaration moved Chowdhury deeply.
A Compromise
“I understand that you all cannot do without me. Very well, I won’t go far. Let a hut be built for me outside the village. That way, I can remain near you while being away from home!” Chowdhury proposed.
Everyone agreed with the idea. However, what was built for him was not a hut, but a very comfortable house. Chowdhury could not complain, as it was planned with immense love by his son!
Life in the New Home
Chowdhury moved into the new house and spent his time chatting with the idle old folks of the village. Now that he lived away from home, his wife ensured that he received exquisite meals.
A Night of Revelation
One night, Chowdhury dreamt:
“Chowdhury! It is time for you to go to heaven. Step into the chariot!” a luminous angel instructed him.
Delighted, Chowdhury called out to his wife, “Come on, let’s go!”
“But I can’t go, leaving our only son behind!” she protested, offering their son a seat in the chariot.
“How can I go, leaving my wife?” the son retorted, pulling his wife along with him. Chowdhury insisted on taking his old mother, who, in turn, insisted on bringing along her other son, who also took his wife.
The Chariot’s Dilemma
The chariot took off, but it hadn’t ascended too high when Chowdhury noticed a crack forming in it. The crack widened in an alarming manner!
“I’m afraid this chariot is meant only for one person—that is myself! You all must get down!” Chowdhury panicked.
Confrontations in the Dream
“How can you leave us?” the others shouted, grabbing at Chowdhury. In a desperate attempt to rid himself of them, Chowdhury jumped down. Instantly, a hundred ghastly spirits surrounded him and began tormenting him. He shrieked, and abruptly, his dream ended.
A True Mendicant
At midnight, Chowdhury left the house alone, determined to become a genuine mendicant.