Once there was a river which always flowed with joy and happiness. Several beautiful towns were settled along its banks. People living in these towns utilized its water for various purposes. A hydro-electricity station also used the water of this river. And the power produced by this station was used to provide electricity to numerous towns and industries.
This river further got divided into several tributaries. It also provided a channel for trade and business amongst different cities. Hence, a lot of people depended on this river.
When this river flowed into the ocean, a nearby stagnant lake used to ogle at the river with contempt and envy. Being stationary, the water of this lake had become foul and stinky. One day it asked the river, “Sister! You tirelessly slog day in and day out helping people generously. But, consequently what do you gain? Why don’t you become like me. I remain at one place and rest peacefully all the while.”
The river replied, ” I remain pure, fresh and independent only because I am continuously flowing. Each and every drop of mine is used, for some useful purpose or the other. Whereas, being motionless has made you gussy and tainted, hence you are disliked by all. Neither do you possess any validity.”
Friends! A learned and an intelligent person shall be like this river, proving himself to be useful and beneficial to others. If he retains and restricts his knowledge to himself, he would be rotting his virtues. Eventually, he shall become like this lake-self mesmerized,totally useless and disliked by all. The Indian Rishis advocated prabajya(traveling from one place to other to benefit fellow men) of all wise & intellectual persons.
Vangmay 67, pg.-23.1
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