One day, returning from the market, Hing Shi saw a monk sitting on the side of the road, begging for alms. Having shared with the poor man a few coins left after shopping, the sage stopped to rest. At this time, a richly dressed merchant passed by. Glancing briefly at the monk and the half-empty alms mug, he averted his eyes and, without handing over a coin, he quickened his pace. After some time, Hing Shi caught up with him. Having placed a basket of food by the side of the road, the sage approached the rich man and silently handed him several coins in his palm. -What else is this? – the merchant asked in amazement, “why?” “Take this money, dear,” said Hing Shi, “I see that you are poor and need money, but your pride does not allow you to openly admit it, and you are forced to hide your poverty under an expensive robe, probably the last thing you have left.” - Why did you decide that? – asked the confused merchant. “Otherwise you wouldn’t have taken your eyes off and wouldn’t have rushed away from the unfortunate monk, probably ashamed of being powerless to help him.” After all, unfortunately, only those who do not know the need can give alms. The merchant, ashamed of his greed and not wanting to be considered a poor man, returned to the monk, generously pouring a whole handful of coins into his mug.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru