Once upon a time, an overly eager sage, wandering about, arrived in a city where the people were happy. Hearing the name of the king, the sage felt a strong desire to meet him.
"There must be something special about the character of a king whose kingdom is so full of joy!"—thinking this, he headed for the palace.
At the first security circle of the palace, two soldiers stopped the sage. These soldiers looked as if their armor was protecting their egos more than their chests. Their voices were like beating a broken drum.
The first soldier (glaring): "Hey, old man! Who are you? Is the palace your uncle's house that you've come? Is it an enemy spy? What have you hidden in your bundle—sweets or a bomb? Get out of here, or you'll be covered in so much dust you won't remember the color of your beard!"
The sage saw their rudeness, their foul language, and their low thinking. He smiled and said calmly: "That's why."
The soldiers looked at each other.
Second soldier (scratching his forehead): "What, 'that's why'? What does that mean? Why don't you answer us, you idiot!"
The monk shook his head again, and gave the same strange reply: "That's why."
The soldiers thought the monk was definitely crazy, or maybe he was speaking a secret code. Terrified, they pushed the monk forward.
At the main entrance to the palace, they encountered a shrewd and narrow-minded gatekeeper. This gentleman was more civilized than the soldiers, but his eyes were filled with the calculations of the dakshina.
The gatekeeper (in a very artificially sweet voice): "Excuse me, Sadhu Ji. If you have come for charity, today is not the king's day to give alms. The king will give alms on the next full moon. Come that day, you will receive a large donation. You should go today, the king is busy. Don't waste time here."
The Sadhu noticed that the gatekeeper was polite, but he was treating a guest as a mere "wasteful expense."
Sadhu Baba (raising his hand): "That's why."
The gatekeeper was enraged. He said angrily: "I'm asking you, is that why? Do you mean to say I'm wrong?"
The Sadhu repeated: "That's why."
The gatekeeper thought this Sadhu was definitely a magician who had messed up his calculations. Frightened, he ran to the minister.
The minister, who always kept a thick book of rules and regulations pressed against his side, immediately came to meet the Sadhu.
Minister (in a formal tone): "Sadhu Baba, my regards. I will listen to you, but please be brief. The King is about to have his royal lunch. I cannot waste his valuable time. Please introduce yourself and your purpose, and I will arrange everything."
The Sadhu praised the Minister's efficiency, but also noticed that the schedule and arrangements were more important to him than a live guest.
Sadhu Baba (softly): "That's why."
The Minister was shocked. All his knowledge of arrangements collapsed before these two words. Distraught, he ran straight to the King's chamber and told him the secret of "that's why."
As soon as the King heard that a Sadhu was at the door and had not been honored before the meal, he immediately stood up.
Maharaja (voice filled with genuine love and forgiveness): "Let the food cool! The honor of the person who has stepped into my doorstep is above all my rules!"
The Maharaja himself rushed over. He washed the sage's feet, seated him on a seat higher than his own, and requested him to eat first.
The sage ate. Satisfied, the king folded his hands and said: "Mahatma ji, my soldiers, gatekeepers, and ministers—all are puzzled by the mystery of your 'that's why'. Please enlighten me."
The sage smiled and said: "That's why."
The sage began to explain:"That's why'" toward the soldiers: "Their language was harsh, arrogant, and rude. Their behavior was like that; that's why they are at the lowest position, where they know only how to use sticks, not wisdom."
"That's why" to the gatekeeper: "His thoughts were limited only to money and business, and he lacked hospitality. His behavior was narrow, which is why he remained stuck at the gate and couldn't enter the palace."
"That's why" to the minister: "He was polite, but rules were more important to him than a living guest. He had order, but no heart. His behavior was that of an efficient servant, which is why he holds the position of minister."
"That's why" to the king: "King! You gave up food, you gave me a seat higher than yourself, and served me. Your behavior is full of humility, sacrifice, and love. Your conduct is the best, which is why you hold the highest position of king."
"Remember, King," the sage concluded, "position is defined by a person's conduct, not conduct by position. Everyone earns their place based on their behavior."
Best Lessons from the Story
1.True Leadership Comes from Character -: A person’s position should be determined by their conduct, not merely their title.
2.The Importance of Humility -: The king’s humility and generosity set him apart from his subordinates and define his greatness.
3.Behaviors Shape Realities -: People's behaviors and attitudes determine their place in society, reinforcing the idea that we are a reflection of our actions.
Life Management Tips from the Story
1.Prioritize Relationships Over Rules -: Foster connections and empathy rather than rigid adherence to protocols.
2.Practice Humility -: Always approach others with respect and an open heart, irrespective of their social standing.
3.Self-Reflection -: Regularly assess your behavior and attitude toward others and be willing to adjust for personal growth.
Business Management Tips from the Story
1.Invest in People, Not Just Systems -: Understand that a team’s success relies on its members' attitudes and relationships, not only on processes.
2.Lead by Example -: Be the first to demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from others in your organization.
3.Create a Culture of Respect -: Cultivate an environment where every employee feels valued, which will enhance overall morale and productivity.
Inspirational Points from the Story
1.Acts of Kindness Have Power -: Simple acts of generosity can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to treat each other with respect.
2.Valuing Humility -: True greatness stems from humility and the willingness to serve others.
3.Understanding Each Other -: Listening to and respecting others’ perspectives can lead to better relationships and greater understanding.
Self-Help Tips from the Story
1.Embrace Mindfulness -: Be aware of your behavior and how it affects those around you; this awareness can lead to positive changes.
2.Focus on Your Values -: Regularly reflect on what values matter to you and ensure your actions align with those values.
3.Seek Growth in Interactions -: Use every encounter as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than merely following social norms or expectations.
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Heavenly Dreams and Earthly Needs
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