A Simple Man’s Test
One day, Akbar disguised himself and went to the forest. There he met a poor woodcutter. The emperor offered him a golden axe and asked, “Will you sell this and share the profit?”
Truth in Poverty
The woodcutter folded his hands and said, “O sir, this is not mine. I do not desire wealth gained by dishonesty. I live by my own efforts and Kṛṣṇa’s grace.”
Reward for Integrity
Akbar revealed his identity and gave the man many gifts. “Your honesty is more valuable than gold,” he declared.
Lesson to Be Learned
Even the poorest man who lives in truth is richer than a dishonest king. Kṛṣṇa is pleased not by wealth but by purity of heart. As Prabhupāda says, “Be sincere and honest, and Kṛṣṇa will help you in all ways.”
