The Miser Who Changed
Long ago, in the town of Kancheepuram, lived a millionaire infamous for his lack of generosity. In fact, he was a miser and a selfish man who would not lift his little finger to help people. However, he managed to have a host of relatives who lived off him.
The Rebuffed Hermit
One day, a hermit came to his house and asked for alms. The millionaire reacted rudely, ordering him away and denying him any assistance. Undaunted, the hermit camped at the doorstep, refusing to budge without receiving alms. The millionaire stubbornly ignored the hermit’s presence and began to use the back door to avoid him.
The Persistent Hermit
Days passed, and the hermit showed no signs of leaving. The millionaire was relieved when the hermit finally departed, viewing it as a victory. However, his relief was short-lived when the hermit returned a few days later, seeking an audience with the millionaire. Despite the millionaire’s repeated attempts to dismiss him again, the hermit remained determined.
The Hermit’s Warning
It was on the hermit’s fourth visit that the millionaire finally conceded to converse with him. The hermit warned the millionaire about his blind faith in his sons and relatives, predicting their abandonment in his times of need. This revelation stunned the millionaire, sparking off a string of thoughts in his mind.
The Millionaire’s Revelation
Not long after, the millionaire fell gravely ill. Sensing his impending death, he expressed his regret for not having done a single charitable act and his desire to spend his remaining wealth on virtues if he survived. As his health declined, his relatives wept insincerely by his side.
The Hermit’s Final Test
The hermit returned again, bearing a cup of ‘poisoned milk’ which he claimed could transfer new life into the old. However, it required a willing person to drink it and die in the millionaire’s place. As he expected, no one, not even his closest family, made any move to sacrifice their lives for the dying man.
The Changed Man
Miraculously, the millionaire regained his health. Acknowledging the hermit’s wisdom, he repented his past actions and confronted the hard truth about his wealth-seeking relatives. This transformative experience led him to donate his wealth to deserving charities and lead a simple, pious life thereafter.
