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Sunday, October 12, 2008 To Be The BestA couple of weeks back, my cousin was upset that she did not do well for her assignment as she had expected. However, her friend, with whom she did the assignment, got an A for it. In her moment of despair, my cousin sent me an email pouring her heart out. She did not understand where she went wrong. In my reply to her email, I sent her this story and urged her to reflect. With her permission, I am dedicating this post to you.Emperor Akbar was fond of music and he had a court singer to entertain him. On one such occasion, Akbar was immersed in the song sung by the court singer. At the end of the song, the emperor praised the singer for his magnificent voice and declared that he is incomparable. However, the modest singer maintained that there is singer greater than he. Akbar was curious to know this singer. He could not imagine anyone better. He expressed his wish to see such a splendid singer. The court singer told him that the singer is none other than his Guru; the one who taught him. He also added that the latter will not come to the court. In fact, he does not leave his humble home. Hence, they would have to visit him instead. Akbar agreed.  On another day, Akbar, his minister, Birbal and the court singer set out to the Guru's house in the woods. They came across a small hut in the woods. The court singer told them that they would have to observe from a distance. Therefore, Akbar and Birbal found a spot and waited for the Guru to appear. A while later, the Guru appeared and said his morning prayer. He settled at the porch and began singing. Once again, Akbar was immersed in the song sung by the Guru and he agreed that the latter was the best. The court singer introduced Akbar to his Guru and the emperor expressed his appreciation. On their way back, Akbar had a nagging question that he had to ask Birbal. "The court singer is a good singer and so is his Guru. But why is the Guru a better singer?" For which Birbal replied, "The court singer sings for what he receives but the Guru sings for God. And any dedication to God is always the best." So my friends, need I say more? The best are those who do what they do with dedication and devotion. True strength lies in submission which permits one to dedicate his life, through devotion to something beyond himself. - Henry Miller Labels: Inspiration |
