The Compassion of King Rantideva

King Rantideva saw the suffering of his subjects during a severe famine and gave away all his wealth and food until he and his family were reduced to absolute poverty. For forty-eight days, Rantideva did not have a single drop of water or a morsel of food.

On the morning of the forty-ninth day, some food and water were finally brought to him. Trembling with weakness, he was about to eat when a poor Brahmin arrived, begging for food. Rantideva gladly gave him a portion.

Just as he was about to eat the remainder, a Shudra (a laborer) arrived, exhausted and starving. Rantideva smiled and shared the food with him.

Now, only a small portion of food and a little water remained. Just then, a man surrounded by starving dogs arrived, pleading for sustenance for himself and his animals. Without hesitation, Rantideva gave away the last of his solid food.

Only a cup of water remained. As he brought it to his parched lips, a chandala (an outcaste) collapsed before him, crying out for water.

Rantideva prayed: 'I do not pray for the eight spiritual powers, nor for liberation from rebirth. I only pray that I may take upon myself the sorrows of all beings, so they may be free from suffering.' He poured the water into the dying man's mouth.

Instantly, the guests vanished, revealing themselves as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. They had come to test him. Having transcended all bodily attachment and achieved universal compassion, Rantideva attained eternal peace, untouched by the illusions of the world.