This dates back to the era when monarchies existed in the world and different families ruled over states spread across many miles. Fortune smiled upon a king of that era, and thanks to his wise minister and brave army commander, his empire kept expanding. The neighboring countries of this king were already awed by his military might and were obedient and submissive to him. The coin of this king's name circulated there. The king also utilized their military power and resources for his own benefit, and by attacking several distant countries, he conquered them too. However, despite ruling over such a vast territory, his greed was not diminishing. He had also fallen into the arrogance of his power and thought that ruling the world was his right. Every nation ought to accept his sovereignty.
This king was so fortunate that he would conquer a country every year. He would issue coins in his name in the conquered regions, appoint a ruler from his own nation there, and then implement his own law to run the system over the people. However, after these continuous conquests, he began to feel a strange anxiety and restlessness. This was actually the greed that had stolen his sleep at night and peace during the day. He would wake up at night and keep making plans for new campaigns. Time passed quickly, and once during such a campaign, the king dispatched his army. But after a few weeks, a messenger brought news that the king's army had failed and the enemy had prevailed over it. Continuous victories over several years had corrupted the king's mind. He had virtually forgotten the word 'defeat'. Hearing this, he became furious. He prepared more troops and decided to set out towards that country himself. Crossing deserts, mountains, and rivers swiftly, the king reached the border of the country where his dispatched army had failed. The battle began, and the opposing king's army, which was also supported by its neighboring countries, crushed the invaders once again, and the king had to return unsuccessful. He was unable to digest this defeat.
Upon returning from this failed military campaign, the king was very aggrieved and worried. One day, he was talking to his wife, who said she knew a saintly figure through whose prayers he could succeed in the battlefield again. The king summoned the saint to the court. However, the saint refused to come and sent a message that whoever has business with him should come to his hut and meet him themselves. When the messenger conveyed this to the king, the king became furious. But his wife explained that he is a highly elevated spiritual person and such people should be respected.
One day, the king, accompanied by a few of his courtiers, arrived at the dervish's hut.
After exchanging greetings, he stated his purpose. The saint listened to him and said, "I cannot tell you any trick to conquer governments and nations, but I certainly want to convey a message to you in which lies your utter well-being and salvation." The king felt a lot of anger, but he was struck by the saint's detachment and awe. He looked with questioning eyes, so the elder said, "A servant of Allah eats half a loaf of bread and gives the other half to another hungry person, but a king's condition is such that even if he captures a major part of the world, he remains obsessed with conquering the rest of the world. You should be content with what you have received, and if you want to cleanse your heart of greed, distribute whatever is in excess of your need."
Saying this, the saint gestured for the king to leave the hut, and the king returned to the palace. But he realized that this dissatisfaction and anxiety could only end when he abandoned greed, gave up desires, and became content.
اناس میمن پلانپوری
