6.5: A merchant gives Kamal a diamond

54. Living in this way, the bhakta Kamal remained four months at Dwarka and in love composed poetry describing the good deeds of Hari.

55. Having completed four months at Dwarka in the acquisition of knowledge, by association with the good, and three times a day entering into the temple to see and worship God, he left that place.

56. He made his obeisance to the image of Krishna, prostrating himself on the ground. With love he prayed, ‘O God, give me again the opportunity of coming here to see and worship Thee.’

57. Thus praying, he immediately started on his way. As he walked along he saw the town of Chitrakut [Chitrakuta] which he entered.

58. There was a merchant by name Vishnudas [Vishnudasa] (a worshipper of Vishnu), supremely pious and generous. He came and with feelings of love made obeisance to Kamal.

59. Having a great desire to welcome him he took the bhakta Kamal to his home, lovingly washed his feet and placed a meal before him.

60. For the night a Hari-kirtan [kirtana] was arranged, and all the people of the town assembled. They listened with love and their minds became absorbed in the theme.

61. The merchant then thought to himself, ‘What shall I give him? If I should place before him a heap of money, he would not care for it.

62. In his treasure-house he had a diamond which he quickly brought. He seated Kamal and placed it at his feet.

63. He said to him, ‘This little brilliant diamond will dim the lamps; take it to your home and place it in your house.

64. At night-time if you place it before you, there will be no darkness.’ Kamal replied,’ Kabir will be very angry with me on account of his indifference to worldly things.

65. Diamonds and crystals look alike to my sight. Why do you give it to me and urge me to take it?

66. Money should be offered to Brahmans. Diamonds and other jewels should be offered to kings, and food and gifts should be given to living beings. You know this, for you are a wise man.

67. One should give to rope-dancers, jugglers, and players, the old clothes. One should give dry provisions of food to the holy men who are performing austerities.

68. One should give daintily cooked food to Sannyasis. They should be given the yellow robe and the loin cloth. We are worshippers of Vishnu, indifferent to worldly things, with minds always satisfied.

69. Having no desires in my heart, why do you force me to take this diamond? Why serve a meal to those already satisfied? Why not give it to those in distress from hunger?

70. A great cloud may rain upon the sea, but the sea has no need of it, so you have uselessly brought and given me this diamond.’

71. As the bhakta Kamal thus replied to him, the merchant prostrated himself on the ground before him, and unknown to Kamal, the merchant tied the diamond in Kamal’s garment.