A Boastful Merchant
A rich merchant claimed, “I have seen a river of gold.” The court laughed, but Akbar was curious. “Describe it,” he said.
Birbal’s Clarification
Birbal smiled, “O Emperor, he is not lying. The golden river is his wealth, and he flows in it like a drowning man.”
Akbar’s Wisdom
“So wealth can flood, not only nourish,” Akbar said. “One must learn how to swim with detachment.”
Lesson to Be Learned
Wealth is meant to be a servant, not a master. If not used in the service of truth and devotion, it becomes a golden trap. Detachment transforms wealth into a path of elevation.
