The Wisdom of the Blind Saint
A Timeless Lesson in Humility and Perception
The King's Encounter
Once, a king went hunting in the forest with his companions. During the hunt, they got separated from each other. While searching for his companions, the king came across the hut of a blind saint.
When the king asked about his missing companions, the blind saint replied: "Your Majesty, first your soldiers passed by, then your ministers, and now you have arrived yourself. If you proceed along this path, you will meet them."
Following the saint's directions, the king soon reunited with his companions exactly as predicted - first the soldiers, then the ministers, and finally himself.
The Mystery Revealed
Intrigued, the king returned with his attendants and asked: "How could you, being blind, know who was passing by and their respective ranks?"
The saint explained:
1. The Soldiers: "When your soldiers passed, they asked: 'Hey blind man, did you hear anyone passing this way?' Their rude address revealed they were low-ranking soldiers lacking refinement."
2. The Ministers: "When your ministers came, they asked: 'Respected father, has anyone passed this way?' Their respectful language showed they held high positions, as only cultured individuals attain such posts."
3. The King Himself: "When you arrived, you said: 'Respected Surdas ji, did you notice anyone passing by?' Your speech was filled with honorifics. Only someone who receives respect knows how to give it."
The Saint's Wisdom
The saint shared another profound insight: "The world is like a tree with many branches. The branch that bears the most fruit bends low. Through this understanding, though blind, I could discern the ranks of all who passed."
The king, impressed by the saint's wisdom, arranged for his livelihood from the royal treasury before returning to his palace.
Moral of the Story
In today's society, we are increasingly losing our manners and etiquette. The moment we gain a little power, money or prestige, we start looking down upon others - this is not appropriate.
Speaking kindly costs us nothing. We should never be stingy with polite words and respectful language. True greatness is reflected in how we treat others, especially those who can do nothing for us.
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