A Question of Worth
Akbar once said, “How valuable is my shadow?” No one could answer. Birbal replied, “Your shadow has no price because it goes where you go, but helps no one.”
Deeper Reflection
Birbal added, “If you want value, be like the sun—giving light and warmth—not like a shadow, that follows silently and vanishes in darkness.”
The Emperor Agrees
Akbar smiled, realizing that true greatness lies in contribution, not just presence.
Lesson to Be Learned
A life of service shines like the sun. The soul, when aligned with the divine, becomes a source of light for others. One’s worth is measured by what one gives, not what one owns.
