One Grey Hair

Many moons ago the Bodhisattva, the Enlightened being, was born as King Makhadeva. The king had already lived for eighty-four years and had many more years to live, when one day his royal barber spotted a grey strand of hair on his head. Realising that he was growing old, Makhadeva regretted all the years he had squandered on worldly pleasures. Thereafter, he stepped aside and anointed his eldest son the new king.

When his subjects heard about his decision, they rushed to him. “Oh dear King, why do you want to leave us?” they cried. The King smiled and holding up his grey strand of hair said, “My dear subjects, God has sent the message that death is nearing. All my life I thought about wealth and power but now I want to get rid of my ignorance by meditating.”

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!