A Difficult Question
Akbar asked, “What truth do people fear most?” Many gave clever answers. Birbal stood and said, “People fear the truth about themselves.”
The Mirror Within
He continued, “They can praise or criticize others easily, but tremble when asked to see their own flaws.”
Akbar’s Silence
The emperor was deeply moved. “Indeed, the hardest truth is the one in our own heart.”
Lesson to Be Learned
Self-examination is the beginning of transformation. One who can see his faults and turn to Kṛṣṇa with repentance becomes dear to the Lord. Truth, however painful, is the soul’s greatest purifier.
