The Three Scrolls

Long ago there lived a youth named Chandra. Though poor, his eagerness to learn was unmatched. Unfortunately, there was no scope for higher studies in his village. Thus, he decided to travel to the holy city of Benares, hoping to meet his uncle and seek his assistance in acquiring higher knowledge.

The Kind-Hearted Chandra

One winter morning, Chandra left his village, walking all day and all night. Eventually, he came to an inn on the outskirts of the city. Exhausted, he decided to rest there for the night. The cold was biting, so he lit a fire to warm himself. There, he noticed another traveller shivering in the cold. Being kind-hearted, Chandra invited the man to join him by the fire. When Chandra’s dinner was brought to him, he extended his hospitality further by inviting the man to share his food. The poor traveller, ravenous as he was, gratefully accepted Chandra’s invitation.

The Three Scrolls

Next morning, as Chandra prepared to resume his journey, the stranger, full of gratitude for the previous night’s kindness, offered him three scrolls. Numbered 1, 2, and 3, he instructed Chandra to open and read them only when in great difficulties. Following the instructions within would lead to great fortune, he assured before parting ways. Chandra tucked the scrolls into his bag and set off towards Benares.

Seeking Uncle

Upon arriving in Benares, Chandra went in search of his uncle. However, he found no luck since no one seemed to have heard of him. Despite his dwindling finances, he hired a room and began studying for the scholarship examinations. Bad luck followed him though, as he failed all the exams, exhausting his available resources. It was then that he remembered the scrolls.

Scroll One

In desperation, he opened the first scroll. It directed him to go to the Sarnath choultry and wait before the doors. After a while, the choultry-keeper, upon seeing Chandra sitting forlornly, called him inside. As they conversed, Chandra revealed his quest to find his respected uncle, a well-known judge called Somasundar. The choultry-keeper, to Chandra’s surprise, recognized the name and proceeded to hand over a bag containing two thousand gold coins left by his uncle for him.

Fate Turns

Astonished by this sudden turn in his fortunes, he decided to open the second scroll. It instructed him to go to Nandkishore’s grocery at West Cross Street. There, he overhead a discussion between two scholars regarding the forthcoming scholarship examination. He memorized the questions, wrote out the answers and not surprisingly, topped the examination to secure a position as a Judge in the High Court of Benares. As a Judge, he made a significant name for himself.

The Final Scroll and Peace

For many years, he lived in the city, acquiring fame and wealth. However, as he did not have a family, a worry nagged at him on his deathbed about what to do with his accumulated wealth. It was then he remembered the third and final scroll, which advised him to write his will and make his peace with the Maker. As instructed, he wrote out his will, distributing his property amongst the city’s poor. Contented that he had lived a fulfilling life, he finally breathed his last, ready to meet his Maker.