The Accusation
A villager brought a complaint to the emperor: “My neighbor stole my mango!” The neighbor denied it vehemently. The mango was long eaten, and there was no proof.
Birbal’s Sharp Insight
Birbal brought a needle and said, “Put this inside your ear.” Shocked, both men refused. Birbal smiled, “You hesitate because the object doesn’t belong there. In the same way, the mango did not belong to the thief. His conscience will not rest.”
Truth Surfaces
The accused, now shaken, confessed his guilt. Akbar was pleased with Birbal’s way of uncovering the truth.
Lesson to Be Learned
The Supersoul within the heart always witnesses our deeds. Conscience is the whisper of Paramātmā. As Śrīla Prabhupāda says, “No one can escape the eyes of the Lord. Karma acts according to divine supervision.”
