The Miser and Brahma jnana.

Is it easy to acquire "Brahma Jnana"? The following episode of Saicharita gives a fine example. A rich man who possessed every thing and who lacked nothing materially somehow developed a desire to get "Brahma jnana". But his close friend chided him for this attempt. His friend told him, "You are too much concerned with the worldly riches, wife, children and comforts. How can you seek the greatest gift of "Brahma Jnana" When you think twice to help the poor, how can you aspire for Brahma Jnana? Unconcerned with the comments of his friend, this rich man engaged a tonga(horse cart) for the up and down journey. Thus, he came to the immediate presence of Saibaba and pleaded, "Baba! People say that you can grant "Brahma jnana" to those who are eager. I have come from a long distance. I have every thing, a man can desire. If only I get this gift, i will consider myself as fortunate. Baba told the miser, Oh man! I consider this moment as very fortunate. None comes to me for Brahma Jnana. Everybody pester me for mundane things. Hence, it is an unique opportunity. Sit here calmly and i will explain to you the entire gamut of "Brhama jnana". Thus Baba made him to sit for sometime and meanwhile Baba called a boy and asked him to procure a hand loan of Rs.5/- from Nandu Marwadi. The boy returned saying that Nandu was not there. He was sent to Bala groacer with the same results. This was repeated by Baba two or more times. The miser was sitting all the while noticing this drama. He was anxious to get the Brahma jnana and hence he pestered Baba saying, "Show me this Jnana early so that i can return satisfied". Baba told him, Oh Man! Don't you notice all the happenings here. This miser could have easily lent Baba Rs.5/- which is a very small amount. He was unable to decide even this. But he was asking Baba for Brahma jnana. Baba repeated, "It is not easy to get Brahma jnana for a miser like you". You have to sacrifice your all for the sake of Brahma jnana. You have to sacrifice the instruments of action and the senses. You have to sacrifice your mind. You have to sacrifice your possessiveness and wealth. Then only you become qualified for this knowledge. Remove from your pocket the value of fifty times five. The miser was astonished at the exact amount he was keeping in his pocket. He removed the currency notes and it was exactly Rs.250/-. You role your notes and keep it. If you are reluctant to spare even Rs.5/- how you can desire for the great knowledge? Thus the miser and all those who assembled in the mosque become wiser by Baba's teachings on that day. Saisaran, Sairam.