A Businessman’s Humility
Akbar once mocked a humble salt merchant, saying, “What wisdom can a seller of salt have?” The merchant folded his hands and said, “O Majesty, without salt, even the richest meal is tasteless. So too, without humility, even great learning is useless.”
The King’s Reflection
Akbar was struck by the truth. “You have spoken like a sage,” he admitted. Birbal smiled, “Real wisdom often comes from simple hearts.”
Lesson to Be Learned
True spiritual taste comes not from position but from surrender. Even a humble devotee can carry profound realization. As Lord Kṛṣṇa says, vidyā-vinaya-sampanne brāhmaṇe…—a wise man sees with equal vision, beyond status or profession.
