“For he knew that by trying to prove his worth by taking the life of an unworthy opponent meant he had already lost his worth.”
A Sikh Warrior was appointed Army General by the Prince due to his reputation as a skilled swordsmen and combat fighter.
That evening, the Warrior was cornered by a group of men on his way home. These men, envious of his position, doubted the Warrior’s skills. The Leader of the group, a muscular white man stepped forward, and challenged the Warrior to a fight to death. The combat would be by hand, and only one man would remain standing.
The Warrior declined. But the group of men did not allow him to leave.
The Leader gave the Warrior the option of either fighting, or to lay his turban at his feet in a show of resignation. Having one’s turban removed is a great humiliation for a Sikh, but laying it at another man’s feet is the height of mockery.
The Warrior, without hesitation, solemnly bent over to place his turban at the feet of the Leader, whose grin grew slowly to the size of his face. The group of men ridiculed the Warrior. News spread and members of the Sikh community and city residents expressed their disgust, and humiliation became widespread.
He never offered any explanation or tried to defend himself for his seemingly spineless actions. He continued to serve the Prince and spoke only with his sword.
Over the years, he lead his army to victory over some of the most formidable opponents, conquering lands that had been held by emperors for many generations. He proved himself to be a intrepid warrior, and the Prince, on the Warrior’s merit, soon commanded the largest army in the world.
The Warrior became known as the most skilled fighter and strategist of all time.
Many years later it was revealed that he had little care of what other people thought of him. For he knew that by trying to prove his worth by taking the life of an unworthy opponent meant he had already lost his worth. Momentary humiliation with the group of hooligans is the price he paid for long-term adulation.
When you know who you are, it doesn’t matter if others do.
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