The Way
A Journey Through the Forest
Grandpa Chowdhury was telling a story:
The king and his army lost their way in the forest. They spotted a hut on a hilltop and saw a hermit in front of it.
“My son, climb the hill and ask the hermit for directions out of the forest,” the king instructed the prince. The prince hesitated, doubting the hermit’s knowledge, but eventually climbed to the hilltop.
“Holy man, do you know the way out of the forest?” he asked the hermit curtly.
“No,” replied the hermit.
A Lesson in Approach
“I thought so!” the prince murmured, returning in disgust.
He reported his failed mission to the king, saying, “I knew, father, that asking the hermit was a futile exercise. He likely wouldn’t know the way.” To the prince’s surprise, the king responded, “Very well. Wait here. Let me inquire with him.”
“Father, did you not hear what I said? I asked the hermit directly if he knew the way and he said he did not! Do you think he lied, or am I?” the prince almost shouted.
“I suspect neither,” said the king as he made his way to the hilltop. Knowing his father was wise, the prince decided to follow him.
The Wisdom of the Hermit
The king bowed to the hermit and politely asked, “O Sage, we have lost our way in the forest. Please, can you guide us?”
“I see that you have some old horses with you. Set them free and follow them,” advised the hermit.
“Thank you, O noble soul,” the king replied, bowing again to the hermit. He climbed down the hill and instructed his party to follow the hermit’s advice. The old horses led them out of the forest.
The Importance of Humility
“How wise of the hermit!” exclaimed Rajesh and his sister, who were listening to Grandpa with rapt attention.
“Indeed. The hermit’s wisdom was revealed only when the king sought his guidance. The prince had merely posed a factual question and received a factual reply. The hermit did not know the way himself, but he knew how to find it,” Grandpa explained.
“In other words, the prince tried to learn the way from him without first winning his heart,” remarked Rajesh.
“How right you are!” said Grandpa. “Much depends on our approach. If we are humble, others tend to be sympathetic toward us. If we exude arrogance, others may feel offended.”
