The best story I have read so far. Nothing Works A certain lover of God was frail and sickly. His frailty kept him from meditating as deeply as he would have liked. When death came, as it must to all, an angel appeared before him and asked, “Is there anything you would likein your next life?” “Yes!” cried the devotee. “I would like to be reborn with a heal thy, strong body.” “Is that all you want?” the angel asked. “Yes!” the devotee replied with certainty. In his next life, that prayer was granted. Alas! however, he was born poor, and never had the means of satisfying his robust appetite.When death came this time, the angel appeared and said, “I see you still have a desire.” “Yes!” cried the devotee. “In my next life I would like not only a healthy body, but also money with which to enjoy my good health.” In his next life, accordingly, he was born to both health a nd wealth.But—he was lonely! This time, when death came, he asked for health, wealth,and someone with whom to share his good fortune.Thus, in this new life he was given health, wealth, and a beautiful wife.But alas! she died after one year. He spent the rest of his life worshiping hergloves, her dress, her jewels. When death came this time, the angel asked, “What now?” “In my next life I want health, wealth, and a beautiful wife who lives along life.” And in his succeeding life he got all that. This time, however, h is wifelived too long. He tired of her, and at last went off with his beautiful young secretary, who cared only for his money. She took that, and ran off with her handsome young lover. This time, when death came and the devotee still looked unsatisfied, the angel came and demanded, “So what is it this time?” “Nothing! I want nothing! I see that, with every fulfillment , there is always a catch. I want only one fulfillment now: the joy of union with my Infinite Beloved. Then, even if I am sickly, poor, and bereft of human love, I will find complete and eternal fulfillment in God.”
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 09:46:03 +0000