How Did You Become So Humble?
by Madhumangala Dasa
At Seaport Village today I approached a Vietnam veteran sitting on the side of the walkway smoking a cigarette and holding a signboard asking for money. Next to him lay a magazine and a Bible. He asked me if I had any spare change. I told him I was sorry that I couldn't give him anything because I was a monk and everything I owned had been given to me in charity. I asked him if he could do me a favor.
"Well, I can try," he replied , "but I don't own much. I'm trying hard to keep myself together."
I took out a book and asked him if he could give something for it. I told him it was worth more than anything money could buy because it would end his suffering.
"Why sure. I ain't got much, though." He picked up a paper cup holding some coins and gave me a quarter. I asked him how he had become so humble.
"Well, it's not easy. I try to live a godly life and read my Bible."
He gave what little he could, and by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada he will get the eternal blessings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for his sincere effort. Srila Prabhupada ki jaya.
