Daulat Befriends Kismat

Daulat (wealth) draws the attention of Kismat (destiny) to a man walking with an axe a few meters ahead. Daulat says that man is wandering and looking for me, he will cut some logs to get some money. If I choose he need not be doing this from tomorrow once I make him rich, that’s the kind of power I command.

That’s great but as Kismat I feel I am likely to somewhat prevail upon you and until my influence on the man it is unlikely he could get or hold what you give. Daulat hinted for many I am the greed a valuable tool to achieve goals, create opportunities, be security for them.  Instead of arguing Kismat smiled and said go ahead prove that he will not be here tomorrow.   

Daulat gives a bag of gold coins to the man and tells him now you need not have to cut woods for your daily needs, go live a better life Daulat is with you. The man in tears thanks Daulat and rushes home.

Hurrying home calling for his wife even before reaching the door attracted a neighbor’s attention. Placing the bag in the hut hurries out to look for his wife. A curious neighbor enters the hut sees the bag of wealth and takes it away. A while later the excited couple enters the hut only to be shocked and disappointed to find the bag missing.

Next day Kismat passing by recognized the man cutting woods and tells Daulat did you not say he would not have to work again. No worries I will give him again today and hands over an expensive necklace. The man takes the necklace tucks it inside the cloth covering on head and proceeds home. On way an eagle mistakes a protruding shining object from within the cloth for a food item, swoops down grabs the cloth and takes it away.     

Third day the man was seen cutting wood again, Daulat reacted I give up. Kismat then said let me join you in improving his economic condition and gives him three takkas. Daulat reacted what’s that going to fetch him. May be find what he lost said Kismat. Not eaten the previous night the man rushes to buy some ration. Reaches home wife happy to see many ration items gets ready to cook, while he leaves to give some ration to an old lady he saw coming out from jungle earlier. She thanks the man and asks for some twigs to cook. Climbing a tree to break twigs, notices a few branches away an eagles nest with his head cloth and the shinning necklace. He picks those gives the twigs to the lady and cautiously rushes home.  

This time Daulat stayed and was wisely put to use. A bigger house was built and an agricultural plot bought. Kismat one night asked Daulat let's go see what 3 Takka’s have done.  As they were watching their big house from far they see a man face covered keeping a bag at the door and run away. Daulat recognized the bag of coins, Kismat smilingly said the couple repaired a few neighbor’s houses also. The neighbor who stole the bag ashamed and afraid being caught returns the money bag making them even richer.

Daulat was pleased to befriend Kismat.

Daulat and Kismat has always been a subject of confusion in many minds and its role in their lives. Gurbani defines true wealth as inner peace, spiritual knowledge (Naam), and a close connection with God. It also acknowledges importance of earning wealth honestly to fulfil one’s responsibilities and use it to serve others.

Gurbani also recognizes the concept of Hukam as a divine plan but it also emphasizes the importance of individual efforts and righteous actions (Karma) in shaping one's life.