21 - Principles Dearer Than Money

As usual Bhai went to Ahmedabad temple for Darshan. The Karbhari (Manager) of the temple approached Bhai. Bhai greeted him with ‘Jai Swaminarayan!' The Karbhari said, ‘Bhai, I have some work with you.' Bhai said, ‘please tell.' The Karbhari said, ‘Wife of Calico Mills owner is suffering from tuberculosis.' Bhai asked, ‘How could I help? He should consult some good doctor.' The Karbhari said, ‘Bhai, I know you. You are a great Mukta of Maharaj. Bhai, no one else can do this. You will have to come.' Bhai surrendered to the Karbhari’s request and went with him. The lady recovered from tuberculosis due to prayers of Bhai. The owner was very happy. He employed Bhai as Dying Assistant in his mills. The salary was fixed at Rs. 350/- (Those days such a salary was considered as a very good amount).

One day Bhai noticed that his senior officer was choosing colour dyes. Therefore, Bhai went there. Bhai checked up the company of the colours. He told his senior officer, ‘Sir, please, does not buy the colours of this company. I have checked up the colours. They are of inferior quality.' The senior officer interrupted, ‘Bhai, you wouldn’t understand these things. You are still new.' Bhai said, ‘If I am a new employee, so what? I understand these things. These colours are not good. They will spoil the cloth.' The officer was confused a little bit. He took Bhai aside. He explained, ‘Bhai, I am also aware that the colours of this company are not good. But the company pays me commission to buy their colours. I will also give you your share. Please, do not mention this to the owner.' Bhai did not like this. He said, ‘Sir, I do not want a single paisa. We should not cheat the person for whom we are working. The owner pays us sufficient salary. So, why should we take such extra money? That also through unjust means? We must serve our owner with total honesty.' The officer argued, ‘Is this theft? No it is not. There is no harm and there is no risk involved. The owner will undergo (some) a little bit of loss. Let it be. If you want more money, I am ready to pay.' Bhai was annoyed. He said, ‘This is completely against my principles. I shouldn’t even touch this money.I cannot even think about accepting this money.' The officer interrupted. ‘But Bhai...!' Bhai left without listening to officer’s explanation. Bhai was feeling restless. He thought, ‘This is unjust. This is cheating. I cannot work in such environment. I cannot stay here.’ and Bhai took the decision. He went to the owner with his resignation letter.

The owner was surprised. He did not like that such a good person should leave his mills. He asked Bhai, ‘What is your problem? If you want, I am ready to pay more salary.' Bhai replied, ‘No sir, you are paying me enough salary. But I am not able to follow my principles here.’ The owner was sad. He had great respect for Bhai, because his wife was cured due to Bhai’s prayers. He considered Bhai as his own son. For the last time, the owner tried to convince Bhai. He said, ‘Bhai, I do not have any issue. Please, stay back as my son and look after the mills.' Bhai refused politely, ‘I cannot do that.' The owner was disappointed. Bhai left without disclosing the name of the officer.

Difficult words:
Tuberculosis - A disease of lungs
To interrupt - To obstruct, to break up the sequence
Unjust - Not fair, not right
Resignation - Application to give up the position

Points to ponder:
- Muktaraj teaches us that in life principles are more important than money. We should not practice unjust means and dishonesty to achieve money.
- Muktaraj also teaches us that we should not accuse anyone behind their back.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. Where did the Karbhari of the temple take Bhai? Why?
2. What kind of colour dyes was the senior officer choosing? Why?
3. What was Bhai’s response to his senior officer regarding commission?
4. What were the temptations offered to Bhai by the owner of the mills to not to leave the job?
5. Why did Bhai resign from his job?