Once, Ananda, the disciple, <br />Who was thirsty, went to a well <br />To drink water and saw on the spot, <br />A girl drawing water in her pot. <br /> <br />He asked for some water, <br />But the girl showed fear, <br />Saying, “I can’t give water <br />As my Matanga caste is lower.” <br /> <br />“Since I’m an outcaste, <br />And you, from a higher caste, <br />It’s not good on my part <br />To give you water from my pot.” <br /> <br />Anand said, “Your caste <br />Will not quench my thirst. <br />What I need is only water, <br />Which, I hope, you can spare.” <br /> <br />It was for the first time <br />A higher caste man came <br />And asked her to spare, <br />From her pot, water. <br /> <br />Immensely she was pleased. <br />Enough water, she spared. <br />Which Anand willingly drank <br />And then conveyed his thanks. <br /> <br />She began to love Anand, <br />And behind him, she followed. <br />At the monastery, Buddha asked <br />Why she was after Anand. <br /> <br />She said, “I’ve my love <br />For Anand, somehow. <br />In this monastery, <br />Allow me to stay.” <br /> <br />Buddha smiled and said, <br />“It’s not love, my child, <br />It’s but kindness, for what <br />Anand said at your spot.” <br /> <br />“Your heart, I find, <br />Is so pure and kind, <br />Accept that kindness, <br />And extend it to others.” <br /> <br />His words of wisdom <br />Sent her back home, <br />As a girl of kindness <br />With all his blessings.<br /><br />Rajaram Ramachandran<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/buddha-30-pataki-the-outcaste/
