The Emperor’s Curiosity
One cold evening, Akbar saw a beggar wrapped in a thick blanket sitting near a fire. He asked Birbal, “What would happen if the blanket caught fire?”
Birbal’s Humorous Wisdom
Birbal replied, “Then the beggar would first try to save the blanket, not himself.” Akbar laughed, “Why?” Birbal answered, “Because in this world, even the poorest man clings to possessions—even when they bring harm.”
A Timeless Truth
Akbar nodded thoughtfully, “Attachment blinds even the wise.”
Lesson to Be Learned
Attachment is the root of suffering. Just as one foolishly clings to a burning blanket, the soul clings to this perishable body and worldly possessions. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns, “Let go of illusion and take shelter of Kṛṣṇa. Only then will the soul be free from burning misery.”
