Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha
The Adamant
Once upon a time, there lived four friends. One day, they decided to go out to seek wealth and fortune. On their way, they came across an iron-ore mine. All of them filled their bags with as much iron-ore as they could possibly carry.
Further, on, they came across a silver mine. Three of the four friends emptied their bags and filled it with silver. The fourth refused to throw away the iron-ore and fill it with silver. As they walked ahead, they came across a gold mine. Again, the three of them threw away the silver and filled their bags with gold, but the forth friend kept the iron-ore. The three friends tried to convince him, but in vain, so they resumed their journey. Lastly, they came across a mine full of sparkling diamonds. Quickly, the three friends filled their bags with diamonds, even this time the fourth friend remained firm on his stand and accused his friends of not having a stable mind. Without further arguments, the four friends set off homewards.
The three friends sold their diamonds and became rich. On the other hand, the fourth one could only earn a small amount of money by spelling the iron ore. He had to earn his living by selling gram, pulses, etc. One day while selling gram, he met his three friends. They told him about their fortune and luxuries. On hearing all this, the fourth friend was very unhappy due to his pitiful state. Now, he repented for having been so adamant and arrogant but it is well known that there is no use of crying over split milk. Had he filled his bag with diamonds as the others had done, he too would have been able to live a luxurious and comfortable life.
Thus, it is said, ‘wise men sometimes change their mind but a fool does not.’
