A Sinking Surprise
A man built a beautiful boat but forgot to seal a small hole. It sank on its first voyage.
Birbal’s Comment
“Even a golden vessel sinks if one hole is ignored. So too, the heart must be whole for it to float in devotion.”
Akbar’s Insight
“A single fault left unhealed,” he said, “can ruin great beauty.”
Lesson to Be Learned
Neglecting small flaws—pride, envy, laziness—can sink the boat of bhakti. The devotee must repair the heart through daily reflection, prayer, and purification.