One day, a disciple said, <br />“Expecting a reward, <br />For a good work done, <br />Is not wrong, in my opinion.” <br /> <br />Buddha narrated a story: <br /> <br />“A reward is not a reward, <br />When the same is expected. <br />When it comes unexpected <br />Then, take it as a reward.” <br /> <br />A King was seriously ill. <br />Doctors treated him well <br />But he didn’t recover still <br />As if it was an evil spell. <br /> <br />Messengers went round, <br />And they luckily found, <br />A Doctor from a village <br />Who came at the last stage. <br /> <br />He gave the King a potion, <br />That did wonderful action. <br />In two days, he improved <br />And slowly he recovered. <br /> <br />The doctor told the King <br />“Now that you’re improving <br />Let me go back home <br />As I’m here for a long time.” <br /> <br />The King said, “Wait here <br />Until I feel myself better.” <br />He didn’t allow the doctor <br />On some plea or the other. <br /> <br />At last, he came back <br />And to his good luck, <br />A mansion stood in the place <br />Of his dilapidated house. <br /> <br />His wife and children, <br />In silken dress, were seen. <br />They wore the best of jewels. <br />And received him with cheers. <br /> <br />People around gathered. <br />Praises, they showered <br />On the doctor for his skill <br />That cured the King well. <br /> <br />The doctor was spellbound. <br />To say, no words he found. <br />He brought home nothing. <br />But the King did everything.<br /><br />Rajaram Ramachandran<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/buddha-32-expecting-rewards/
