
The Wisdom In a Jug
(A story from Granny’s lap)
Among the many stories my granny used to tell me, this one stayed —
Softly reminding me to walk with care,
To choose thoughtfulness over noise,
To value what I hold — no matter how little — and to use it with heart.
Once upon a time, in a quiet village, two women arrived at the doorstep of the Kaji — the wise village elder known for his thoughtful judgments. It had rained, the roads were muddy, and both women had trudged through the slush to seek justice.
They were quarreling over a bucket of clarified butter (or ghee).
“It’s mine,” said one woman, confidently. “I have many cows. This poor woman can’t possibly produce such pure ghee.”
The other woman, calm and honest, said softly, “I only have two cows, but the ghee is mine.”
The Kaji listened to both sides without interruption. Then he said gently,
“Before we begin, wash your hands and feet using these jugs of water.”
He handed them each a jug — equal in size, and asked them to wash up outside before the case would proceed.
The curious crowd waited, watching closely.
The first woman, proud and in a rush, returned soon — her feet still muddy. She asked for more water.
The second woman, quiet and careful, took her time. She washed her hands, feet, even her face, thoughtfully.
She returned with water still left in her jug — and respectfully placed it on the Kaji’s table.
The Kaji had seen enough.
Without saying much, he returned the ghee to the second woman.
Granny would always pause here and smile.
And then say,
“Child, true richness lies not in how much you have…
but in how wisely and respectfully you use even a little.”