The Gates of Heaven
Once, three people arrived at the gates of heaven.
The first one declared, “I am a master of all the holy scriptures, so the gates should open for me.”
The gatekeepers replied: “You only know the texts. You have no practical experience. Go away.”
The second one said: “I have performed many rituals and sacrificial rites.”
The gatekeepers replied: “You performed those sacrifices for selfish goals. There is no place for you here.”
The third person, a farmer, approached the gates and said: “I am a poor farmer; I have a hut on two acres of land. I offered food and drink to travelers and gave them shelter when it was necessary. I shared everything I had with them. That is my entire sadhana.” The gatekeepers said: “You may enter.”
This story illustrates the truth that only those who are ready to sacrifice what they have to help others in need have the right to enter heaven.
– Sri Sathya Sai Baba