She went from door to door, and many a time when her bowl was nearly full she was robbed.
At the end of the weary day she came to your palace gate holding up her pitiful bowl, and you came and took her hand and seated her beside you on your throne.
“Who among you will take up the duty of feeding the hungry?”
Lord Buddha asked his followers when famine raged at Shravasti.
Ratnakar, the banker, hung his head and said, “Much more is needed than all my wealth to feed the hungry.”
Jaysen, the chief of the King’s army, said,“I would gladly give my life’s blood, but there is not enough food in my house.”
Dharmapaal, who owned broad acres of land, said with a sigh, “The drought demon has sucked my fields dry. I know not how to pay King’s dues.”
Then rose Supriya, the mendicant’s daughter.
She bowed to all and meekly said, “I will feed the hungry.”
“How!” they cried in surprise.“How can you hope to fulfil that vow?”
“I am the poorest of you all,” said Supriya, “that is my strength. I have my coffer and my store at each of your houses.”
My king was unknown to me, therefore when he claimed his tribute, I was bold to think I would hide myself leaving my debts unpaid.
I fled and fled behind my day’s work and my night’s dreams.
But his claims followed me at every breath I drew.
Thus I came to know that I am known to him and no place left which is mine.
Now I wish to lay my all before his feet, and gain the right to my place in his kingdom.
When I thought I would mould you, an image from my life for men to worship, I brought my dust and desires and all my coloured delusions and dreams.
When I asked you to mould with my life an image from your heart for you to love, you brought your fire and force, and truth, loveliness and peace.
“Sire,” announced the servant to the King, “the saint Narottam has never deigned to enter your royal temple.”
“He is singing God’s praise under the trees by the open road.”
The temple is empty of worshippers.
“They flock round him like bees round the white lotus, leaving the golden jar of honey unheeded.”
The King, vexed at heart, went to the spot where Narottam sat on the grass.
He asked him, “Father, why leave my temple of the golden dome and sit on the dust outside to preach God’s love?”