A chance missed may not visit again

“I expect to pass this way but once; any good thing, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again”. That was Stephen Grellet.

“I expect to pass this way but once; any good thing, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again”. That was Stephen Grellet.

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The resonance of these words has reverberated all through history. Here is a story from the Mahabharat. When the Great War had been won, Yudhistir became the King of the land.

He used to hold court daily and listen to the common people, dispensing justice and providing any help they wanted. One day Yudhistir was busy doing some work. An old man came and asked for some pieces of gold. Yudhistir asked him to come the next day. The man went back a little dejected.

When Yudhistir’s day’s work had been done, Bhima congratulated him. "For what? I have done nothing of note", said Yudhistir. "Maharaj you have conquered Time, the arch enemy of all mortals, today." Yudhistir was baffled. He asked Bhima to explain what he meant.

Yudhistir was shell-shocked but he thanked his brother and called for the man who had asked for the gold. It was immediately given and with profuse apology.

Yudhistir never delayed doing a good deed thereafter.