Long ago, there lived a woman called Sujata. She was married to Ananda, the Blissful. The villagers had decided to build an inn for the travellers under Ananda’s directions. Sujata wanted to help the people, too. Since she was a woman, the villagers didn’t seek her help. One day, Sujata thought, ‘I must do whatever I can for the good of the village.’ While the villagers constructed the inn, Sujata started making a beam for the building, which is the most important part of any structure. Soon, the villagers realised that none of them had thought of making a beam. They were all tired and disappointed. Just then, Sujata presented them with her beam. Everyone was shocked. A monk passing by said, “It doesn’t matter who the person is; a helping hand is always welcome!” The villagers realised their fault and thanked Sujata.
Moral: Sincere efforts are never wasted.
