Tales and Parables of Sri Ramakrishna

Tales and Parables of Sri Ramakrishna
STICK TO YOUR OWN RELIGION
ONCE upon a time a man wanted to sink a well
and someone advised him to dig in a certain spot,
and he did so. But after sinking fifteen cubits,
when he found no water coming out, he got
disgusted. In the meantime another man came
and laughing at his foolish attempt advised him to
dig in another spot which he knew to be the best,
So the man went and resumed his labour there.
This time he went down twenty cubits, but no
water was found. A third man came and asked
him to try in another and better place which he
would point out to him. He followed and a
certain spot was shown to him. He went on
sinking and sinking till thirty cubits were reached
and in utter disgust he was going to give up the
task, when a fourth man came up to him, smiling
sweetly and said, "My child, you have laboured
much indeed, but being misdirected all these
labours have been of no use to you. Very well,
kindly follow me, and I will take you to a spot
where if you only touch your spade to the ground,
water will flow out in torrents." The temptation
was too much for him and so he followed this
309