Repair your umbrella..!

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Editorial

Saturday, 31 July 2010

Author / Source : Bob’s Banter ROBERT CLEMENTS

The other day I asked an employee of mine to get my umbrella repaired, "Why don't you buy a new one sir?" he asked with a smirk.
"Because this one can still be used," I said, "and I don't believe in wasting money!"
This incident made me think of a story:
Buddha, one day, was in deep thought about worldly activities and maybe ways of instilling goodness in human beings when one of his disciples approached him and said humbly "Oh my teacher! While you are so much concerned about the world and others, why don't you look into the welfare and needs of your own disciples also?"
Buddha looked at his disciple, smiled and said, "So tell me how I can help you?"
"My attire is worn out and is beyond the decency to wear the same. Can I get a new one, please?" asked his disciple.
Buddha found the robe was indeed in a bad condition and needed replacement. He asked the storekeeper to give the disciple a new robe to put on. The disciple thanked Buddha and retired to his room. A while later, Buddha went to his disciple's place and asked him "Is your new attire comfortable? Do you need anything more?"
"Thank you my Master." Said the disciple, "The robe is indeed very comfortable. I need nothing more."
"Having got the new one," said Buddha, "what did you do with your old attire?"
"I am using it as my bed spread."
"Then I hope you have disposed off your old bed spread?"
"No, no, master. I am using my old bedspread as my window curtain."
"And your old curtain?"
"Being used to handle hot utensils in the kitchen."
"Oh I see. Can you tell me what did they do with the old cloth they used in kitchen?"
"They are being used to wash the floor."
"And the old rug that was used before to wash the floor?"
"Master, since it was so worn out, we could not find any better use, but to use as a wick in the oil lamp, which is right now lit in your study room...."
Buddha smiled with contentment and left. 
I've always liked this story, and if not to this degree of utilization, can we at least make the best use of all our resources at home and in the office, and also not throw away something if we can get it repaired and reuse it?
A great country that America once was, was built on the idea of thrift, not waste, and we people from the developing nations of the world need to do the same.
Repair your umbrella..!
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