Hear the Unheard

Once lived a king. he was getting aged and wanted his son to inherit the throne. However, he wanted him to be qualified full enough for the job. Though the Prince was quite qualified for the seat, the King thought otherwise.

He sent his son to a sage as to evaluate whether he qualified for the job. The sage, in turn, sent the Prince to a forest asking him to spend there a week and return. The Prince was also asked to report the sage on what all he heard during the week.

Promplty after a week the prince returned and told the sage, "I heard the sound of birds, sound of branches cracking, leaves brushing, animals roaring etc.,

"The sage said, "No you have to listen more! Go back now and come after a week!"

The Prince got puzzled and had no other option but to go back. This time after 3 weeks, he returned. This time he replied, "Oh! Muni var (var means shresht - special), i learnt to listen to the sounds of flowers bloom, fall of grass, evapooration of dew, travelling of sun-rays..."

The sage satisfied with his answer, "Now you qualify to be the king"

When the disciple of the sage asked the reason, the sage said, "A king should be the one who could listen to the problems that are untold by his people".