A Royal Puzzle
Akbar placed a locked chest before his courtiers. “Guess what’s inside. If correct, the treasure is yours.” Many guessed—gold, jewels, scrolls. All were wrong.
Birbal’s Insight
Birbal said, “Majesty, nothing is inside. The chest is empty—just like the pride of those who guess without reflection.”
The Reveal
Akbar opened the chest. It was indeed empty. “You saw beyond the surface,” he said.
Lesson to Be Learned
Emptiness often hides behind grand appearance. A heart filled with pride is like an ornate box with nothing within. Spiritual life is about inner depth, not outer show.
