Story of the week - The Fleet-Footed Princess

[Guest guest]

The Fleet-Footed Princess

Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful and charming princess in Greece. She

was not only beautiful but also adept in shooting, hunting and running. In

fact, she had earned the title of "the fleet-footed princess." Many handsome

and heroic princes desired to win her heart and hand. So, the princess hit upon

a clever plan. She announced that she would marry the young man who would beat

her in a foot race. Hundreds of young warriors came to race with her but she

always out-ran them.

At last one young hero was bent upon outrunning her. He sought the advice of a

wise man. He explained to him about the fleet-footed princess and her

challenge. He also expressed his regret over the fact that many young warriors

were being put to shame by the princess.

The wise man said: "Don't worry, you take within your pocket several shining

pieces of jewellery and gems. As you run, go on dropping one piece after

another on the racing track at strategic points."

On the day fixed for the race, the young man equipped himself with fine pieces

of jewellery. The young man and the princess started running. Both of them were

good runners. Whenever the princess was on the point of outstripping him, the

young man would softly drop a dazzling piece of jewellery. The princess

spontaneously stopped to pick up the lovely piece of jewelllery that was after

all on the racing track. She was confident that inspite of the halts she would

be able to outrun her rival. These brief but frequent halts made him reach the

goal ahead of her. Thus the young man won the race as well as the heart and the

hand of the princess. Why did the fleet footed princess lose this time? It is

all because of her love for jewellery. Love of lucre always makes man weak and

prevents him from realising his real goal in life. If we want success in life,

we have to give up attachment and be prepared to sacrifice what we have as the

young man did.

— Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Source: Chinna Katha II, 43http://beaskund.helloyou.ws/askbaba/stories/s1043.html