It is nice to dress well but not all of us have costly dresses. There is no need to feel ashamed of your clothes as long as they are neat and clean. What is important is that you are a sincere, truthful and kind person. No matter how simple your dress, you will find many friends.

Dressing for a feast

This is a story about Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar. He was very wise and had read many books. He set up many schools for boys and girls in India. Everyone loved and respected him. Vidyasagar was a simple man and he lived a very simple life. One day a rich man invited him to a feast. He went to the feast dressed in a simple dhoti, kurta and shawl. The watchman at the gate thought he was a poor man. `Go away,’ he said.

`This is a feast only for rich people’. Vidyasagar went home and changed his clothes. He wore trousers and a shirt. He put on a tie. Then he wore socks and shoes. This time the watchman saluted him and let him in.

Vidyasagar joined the gusts at dinner. But he did not eat. Instead he offered the food to his dress. Everyone was puzzled. The host asked, `what are you doing, Vidyasagarji?

The great man answered, `When I came here in simple clothes, I was not allowed inside. But when I came in these clothes, I was let in. I thought it was the dress that you had invited. So I am feeding the dress!

The host said, `I am sorry! We respected you for what you are, not for what your wear!’

Understand

It is important to be grandly dressed. The important thing is to be neat, clean, and simple and think good thoughts.

There are many reasons to be simple in dress and lifestyle. If you spend all you time trying to look grand, you will have less time for important things like studying, reading books, helping others or learning something new. Also, is it right for you to buy many costly dresses when a poor child might not have more than one? Instead of using your money to buy many things only for yourself, you could use it help others. You must use your time, energy and money wisely. The best way to do this is to live simply and help others who have less than you.