What Can We Learn from a Tailor's Needle About True Value and Harmony in Life?

The Tailor's Needle

A tailor was at work. He took a piece of cloth and with a pair of shining, costly scissors, he cut the cloth into various bits. Then he put the pair of scissors at his feet. Then he took a small needle and thread and started to sew the bits of cloth into a fine shirt. When the spell of sewing was over, he stuck the needle onto his turban.

The tailor's son who was watching asked him: "Father, the scissors are costly and look so beautiful. But you throw them down at your feet. This needle is worth almost nothing; you can get a dozen for an anna. Yet, you place it carefully on your head itself. Is there any reason for this illogical behavior?"

"Yes, my son. The scissors have their function, no doubt; but they only cut the cloth into bits. The needle, on the contrary, unites the bits and enhances the value of the cloth. Therefore, the needle to me is more precious and valuable. The value of a thing depends on its utility, son, not on its cost-price or appearance."

Similarly, there are two classes of people in the world - those who create dissensions and disharmony, who separate man from man; and those who bring about peace and harmony, who unite people.

The former are generally the rich people, powerful politicians, and kings; the latter are generally the poor devotees of God, the penniless wandering monks, and mendicants. The Lord makes use of both to carry on his function of providing the field for the evolution of individual souls. He throws down on the dust the mighty kings and millionaires who create wars and disharmony; and He keeps the poor, pious devotee over His own head. In His eyes, the scale of values is entirely different!

Regards,

AK

Hi Amol,

I remembered a Doha in Hindi:
"Rahiman dekhi badhein ko, laghu na dijiye daari
Jahan kaam aave suuyi, kaha kare talwari."

Regards,
Tittli

Also, a needle is very small and can easily get lost or prick someone. In contrast, scissors are larger and more noticeable. Therefore, to prevent injuries, needles should be safely put away. :)

Hey Amol,

Good one, but logically speaking, a needle is very tiny and hard to find, so people will place it carefully. As scissors are big enough to identify, we don't give a damn. That's why little things in life matter a lot, no matter if they may not be worth enough. Please correct me if I am wrong, bro.

Hi Amol,

Good post. Inspiring story that brings the eternal truth. I am sharing a story of '4 wives' with you:

Story Of 4 Wives

There was a rich merchant who had 4 wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took great care of her and gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much. He was very proud of her and always wanted to show her off to his friends. However, the merchant was always in great fear that she might run away with some other man.

He, too, loved his 2nd wife. She was a very considerate person, always patient and, in fact, was the merchant's confidante. Whenever the merchant faced some problems, he always turned to his 2nd wife, and she always helped him out and helped him through difficult times.

Now, the merchant's 1st wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions to maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household. However, the merchant did not love the first wife, and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.

One day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to die soon. He thought of his luxurious life and told himself, "Now I have 4 wives with me. But when I die, I'll be alone. How lonely I'll be!"

Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you most, endowed you with the finest clothing, and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word.

The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the merchant's heart. The sad merchant then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you so much for all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is so good over here! I'm going to remarry when you die!" The merchant's heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I always turned to you for help, and you've always helped me out. Now I need your help again. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." The answer came like a bolt of thunder, and the merchant was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll live with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The merchant looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so skinny, almost like she suffered from malnutrition. Greatly grieved, the merchant said, "I should have taken much better care of you while I could have!"

Actually, we all have 4 wives in our lives:

a. The 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish on making it look good, it'll leave us when we die.

b. Our 3rd wife? Our possessions, status, and wealth. When we die, they all go to others.

c. The 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how close they had been there for us when we were alive, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

d. The 1st wife is, in fact, our soul, often neglected in our pursuit of material wealth and sensual pleasure. It is actually the only thing that follows us wherever we go. Perhaps it's a good idea to cultivate and strengthen it now rather than to wait until we're on our deathbed to lament.

With Regards,
Lahiri, Kolkata.