Poor Farmer and Old Man Story

Long ago, there lived a poor farmer in a village. He was poor and was always short of money.

His neighbors and relatives were well off and he was jealous of them and because of this, he didn't get along with them.

He had a small farm in which he grew some vegetables to feed himself and his family. As the farmer grew old, he found it very difficult to work on the farm as he didn't have any bull to plow the field.

One day, he was returning tired from his farm. On his way, he met an old man.

Seeing him, the old man said, "What's the matter? You seem very sad?"

The farmer replied, "What should I say? I don't have any money. Everyone around me has everything and I don't. I have to work in fields but it is getting difficult to work, if I had a bull, then I could easily do all the work of plowing, sowing, and irrigating the field."

The old man had a bull with him. He gave that bull to the farmer and said, "Ok. This bull is yours from today itself. You take that bull home with you but after you reach home, send your neighbor to me."

Farmer said, "I am very happy to know that you will give me bull but why do you want to meet my neighbor?"

The old man replied, "So that I can give him two bulls."

Hearing the old man's words, the farmer started feeling angry within. He became jealous and said, "But my neighbor has everything. If you want to give two bulls to my neighbor then I don't even want one."

The old man pulled the bull towards him and said, "Do you know what your problem is?"

Your problem is not poverty. It is jealousy. If you would have been satisfied with whatever you are getting then you won't be unhappy with what your neighbors or relatives get.

If you hadn't got jealous then you would probably have become the happiest person in the world."

Saying this old man disappeared into the forest. The farmer realized his mistake and vowed that he would never get jealous of others and would have good intentions for everyone.

Flash:- As we navigate the complexities of life, the story encourages us to cultivate a mindset of appreciation, to count our blessings rather than comparing ourselves to those around us. By relinquishing the toxic grip of jealousy, we can pave the way for a more fulfilling existence and, like the reformed farmer, become architects of our happiness.

Moral:- Jealousy can blind us to the blessings we already have. True happiness lies in contentment and gratitude, not in comparing ourselves to others.

"True wealth lies in gratitude, not comparison."