A ship was wrecked during a fierce storm at sea, leaving only two men alive. They managed to swim to a small, deserted island. Unsure of what to do, they agreed to pray to God for help. To see whose prayer was more powerful, they decided to split the island into two territories and stay on opposite sides.
The First Man’s Prayers
The first thing they both prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man found a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the island and was able to eat its fruit. The other man’s land remained barren.
The First Man’s Successes
After a week, the first man felt lonely and prayed for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor, a woman, swam to his side of the island. On the other side of the island, nothing changed.
The first man continued to pray for more comforts, such as a house, clothes, and more food. Miraculously, all these requests were fulfilled. The second man still had nothing.
The Ship
Finally, the first man prayed for a ship so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side. He decided to leave the second man behind, considering him unworthy of God’s blessings since none of his prayers had been answered.
The Heavenly Voice
As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven asking, “Why are you leaving your companion on the island?”
“My blessings are mine alone since I was the one who prayed for them,” the man answered. “My companion’s prayers were all unanswered, so he does not deserve anything.”
“You are mistaken!” the voice rebuked him. “He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings.”
“Tell me,” the first man asked the voice, “what did he pray for that I now owe him for my success.”
“He prayed that all your prayers be answered.”
Lessons
- In times of distress, turning to prayer and faith can be a natural response.
- Sometimes, immediate needs are met in unexpected ways.
- Loneliness can lead us to seek companionship, and our prayers can sometimes bring us what we desire.
- Material success can sometimes come easily to some, while others may continue to struggle.
- Selfishness and pride can cloud our judgment, leading us to make unkind decisions.
- Our blessings are not always the result of our own efforts or prayers. Sometimes, they are the result of someone else’s selfless prayers for us.
Moral of the Story
Our blessings are not always the result of our own efforts or prayers. Sometimes, they are the result of someone else’s selfless prayers for us.
Reflection
This story teaches us about the power of selfless prayers and the interconnectedness of our lives. It also reminds us to be humble and grateful, recognizing that our successes may be influenced by the goodwill and prayers of others.
Hare Krishna Mahamantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
PS: I humbly request all devotees to please forward and share these moral/instructive stories they hear so that everyone can benefit from hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
