One of the greatest kings in history, Akbar, was called the “Nourisher of Humanity” by his people because of his kindness and sense of justice. During his reign, he greatly strengthened and expanded India.
The king often walked through the streets of his capital and would stop whenever one of his subjects wished to speak to him personally. Once he stopped by a beggar who was loudly praising him and exclaiming:
“Only the king can give me happiness!”
Nearby sat another beggar who seemed to argue with the first one, crying out even louder:
“Only God can bless a human being, only God can give happiness!”
Akbar reflected on their words. Back in his palace, he ordered that some bread be baked and that a small piece of gold be hidden inside one of the loaves. The next day, he deliberately passed by the same place again. The same scene was repeated, and he gave the bread to the beggar who had asked the king for mercy, while giving nothing to the second beggar.
Some time later, Akbar passed by the same place again and stopped his carriage, because once again the beggar was stretching out his hand to him. The king stepped down and asked:
“Why are you asking me for help again? Did I not give you bread that contained enough gold to take care of you?”
The beggar was astonished:
“I don’t know what gold you are talking about. The bread you gave me seemed very heavy to me, so I thought it was badly baked. I gave it to my neighbour—the other beggar—for ten coins.”
The king looked around but could not see the second beggar. He ordered his servants to find out what had happened to him, and it was reported that the other beggar had given the bread to his wife. She had found the gold inside, bought a house, and put their life in order.
Then Akbar advised the first beggar not to ask the king for mercy anymore, but to pray to God and place his trust solely in divine grace.
Source: wisdom story (retold by Osho)
