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Temptation and Greed
Temptation and greed are completely different states of mind. Whenever man has temptation for something, he is attracted towards it not only mentally but probably even physically. However, in the case of greed, the process is exactly opposite inasmuch as there is a tendency to acquire and accumulate the thing that one is attracted to. If a woman has a craze for ornaments or expensive clothes and accumulates the same she will have to be considered as greedy. Same will be the case of a person who is amassing money. Money is nevertheless needed to acquire and accumulate anything. When we consider the Line of Restraint in respect of greed, earning income is permitted while avarice is prohibited. Earning income is very essential for one's livelihood. Even beggars beg and 'earn' money for their livelihood. However, defrauding others and hoarding money secretly in safes or foreign bank accounts is immoral. The following account is a classic illustration of selflessness which is diametrically opposite to avarice. A fair and beautiful lady named 'Baibai' used to live in Indore and earn her livelihood by singing songs on the road. She used to wear a clean and white saree and blouse which were however darned at a few places. She had ektaari (one-stringed musical instrument) in one hand and chiplya in the other (2-piece wooden musical instrument). It would be surprising if one wasn't reminded of Saint Meerabai. Baibai used to get engrossed in singing bhajans i.e. devotional songs to the tune of her ektaari. Baibai was once moving in the direction of the Indore palace. Maharaj Tukojirao Holkar, who was not only a very good ruler but also a lover of various forms of art, was seated in the balcony of the palace. He instructed his servant to bring along whosoever was singing on the road. Accordingly, the servant escorted Baibai to the assembly hall of the palace. As desired by Maharaj, Baibai began to sing bhajans. The queen as well as others present in the palace gathered to listen to these bhajans. The sentiments evoked by the bhajans were transforming the surrounding atmosphere. After about 1-1/2 hours, Baibai concluded her singing with a very heart-rending bhajan in raag bhairavi. Maharaj's eyes welled up with tears. Baibai placed down her ektaari and chiplya and bowed before Maharaj. According to the tradition, a servant offered her money placed on a plate covered with a silk handkerchief. Baibai pleaded, "Baba, this will only increase my anxiety and anguish." Maharaj understood the situation. As he had seen her darned clothes, he asked the servant to offer a pile of sarees. Baibai pleaded again, "Baba, since I move from town to town, how will I able to take care of these? You appreciated my bhajans and that is enough for me." Maharaj was overwhelmed and told her, "Please accept this as a gift from a brother." Looking closely at the pile of sarees, Baibai picked up one white saree and took leave of Maharaj saying, ''I have respected and fulfilled a brother's wish." It is almost impossible to find such a generous king and such a selfless lady today.
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