King embarks with wisdom.
The King’s Lesson: Embracing Life’s Impermanence
To find strength and wisdom in times of suffering and joy
Once there lived a king who announced to his people, “I have purchased one of the most gorgeous diamonds globally. I must engrave a message on it, to be given to my successors. It must be a message of help during times of war and despair.” The message had to be brief enough to fit on the diamond’s tip, but meaningful.
All the intellectuals and fast thinkers of the royal court tried to compose grand writings. They all could write lengthy essays. However, they couldn’t come up with a short message that could provide solace during times of need. The king felt disappointed. He went to his chambers.
There, he met a servant who had been serving since his childhood. The king had grown to trust this servant. So, he confided in him. “I may not be as wise or as educated as others,” said the king, “but I know the truth.” In my lifetime, I have seen many people in the palace. Once, I met a wise man. He came to visit your father. He gave me a message.” The aged servant wrote a message on parchment and handed it to the king, saying, “Read this only when in dire need, when there seems to be no other way.”
