Position and Ability
Introduction: The Gifted Artist
The King of Sundarpur was a great patron of the Arts. He honored artists and poets who graced his court. One day an artist named Sanga presented his numerous paintings to the king. The ruler admired Sanga’s artistry and rewarded him with five thousand gold sovereigns. Overwhelmed, Sanga sought the king’s permission to paint his portrait. The king agreed.
The Request
Upon completing the king’s portrait in ten days and earning much admiration, Sanga expressed his desire to serve as the Chief Minister. Surprised by Sanga’s audacious request, the king looked to Gyanananda, his wise Chief Minister, who offered an approving nod. Thus, Sanga became the Chief Minister, succeeding Gyanananda.
Test of Wisdom
On that evening, the king and Sanga toured their city, eventually happening upon an elderly man feeding crows outside a temple. A fascinating exchange ensued, during which the old man shared intriguing responses to the king’s questions. A puzzled Sanga couldn’t decipher the symbolism in the old man’s words, and failed to satisfy the king’s subsequent demand for an explanation.
Unexpected Enlightenment
Distressed, Sanga sought the old man’s help, agreeing to pay him a hefty sum for the explanation. The old man unraveled his metaphors, revealing the transient nature of material and knowledge, the one-sidedness of human perception, and most importantly – a veiled critique of Sanga’s suitability for his new role. Back at the palace, a humbled Sanga admitted his lack of qualification for the Chief Minister’s role and offered his resignation.
The Reveal
To his surprise, Sanga then learnt from the king that the wise old man was Gyanananda, their former Chief Minister. He confessed his lesson learnt and lauded Gyanananda’s deservingness of the Chief Minister’s position, before departing from Sundarpur, wiser for his experiences.
