The story of Ratanji, a wealthy and devout Parsi merchant, illustrates a profound lesson about the nature of happiness and hardship. As described in Chapter 14, despite possessing vast wealth, property, and a charitable reputation, Ratanji was consumed by a "difficult inner worry." His suffering stemmed from the fact that he had no son, only twelve daughters, which made him feel his immense wealth was "entirely fruitless." This narrative teaches that no one experiences "unmixed happiness" and that everyone, regardless of their outward prosperity, may have a nagging worry. The text from Chapter 14 suggests this is part of the "divine plan," perhaps to keep arrogance in check.
The texts mention a wealthy Parsi merchant. What was his source of suffering, and what does his story teach about happiness?
π Chapter 14