Page 267 - Kailaspati: Paramhans Hansdevji Avadhoot

who were orphans. he then got a house built for the guests at the cost of a huge amount of money. The lame, the blind, the disabled, the orphans used to get food and shelter in that house. People from distant places began coming to that house in search of food and shelter. in course of time, that house got transformed into a huge building. Much of his income was spent on running it. he used to offer a little amount of money to his wife and children. Failing to accept this habit of philanthropy, his wife and children began to protest against it. The merchant then said to his wife, “When i married you, i was but an ordinary businessman. at the time of marriage, i made no commitment to you that i would buy you ornaments of crores of rupees. Whatever i have already offered you and whatever status you are in is beyond your imagination, i have every right to use and utilize the excess amount of money at will after having done my duty to you.” he then said to his son, “i had started earning since i was your age. if you have that quality and stamina, you can do so. i am not wasting the money or property of my parents. i am spending the money that i am earning now. i am doing my duty to you as your father. But i am the last person to accept habit of luxury.”
Both his wife and son got quiet, though for the time being, but their hearts were simmering in anger. But the moment they heard that he had already donated lakhs of rupees to the homes and orphanage and had formulated an Executive Committee with a few aristocratic citizens of the town to look after it, they lost their temper. They were then under the misapprehension that if it continued for a few more days, they would be left with nothing and would surely be homeless. They then drove the merchant out of their house. at the time of farewell, the merchant said to them, “since you have got angry with me and driven me out, i am leaving you with all gladness. There is many a homeless, foodless and luckless man in this land. so i am to earn more money for them. i then would not have to spend any money for you two people. i would then spend the whole of my income for those poor people. i am leaving this house and my jewellery shop. Now i have completed my duty to both of you.”
Sixth Volume: Fhftd TiTanTd 237