Once, in the kingdom of Vijayanagara, there lived a group of Brahmins who prided themselves on their knowledge and wisdom. They often boasted about their intellectual superiority, looking down upon others with disdain. Their arrogance became a topic of discussion among the people, reaching the ears of King Krishnadevaraya.
Curious about these Brahmins, the king summoned them to his court to test their wisdom. The Brahmins, flattered by the invitation, arrived at the court with pomp and pride. They were confident that they could outsmart anyone with their knowledge.
King Krishnadevaraya greeted them warmly but decided to test their humility first. He presented them with a puzzle and challenged them to solve it. The puzzle was simple yet deceptive: “What is the most precious thing in the world, but once lost, can never be regained?”
The Brahmins pondered over the puzzle, each offering his own elaborate explanation. Some suggested that youth or health was the most precious, while others argued for wealth or power. However, none of their answers satisfied the king.
Just when it seemed that the Brahmins were stumped, a voice spoke up from the back of the court. It was Tenali Raman, the witty court jester known for his intelligence and cleverness. He stepped forward and addressed the king.
“Your Majesty,” said Tenali Raman, “the most precious thing in the world is humility. Once lost, it can never be regained. These Brahmins may possess knowledge, but they lack the humility to admit their limitations.”
The king and the courtiers were impressed by Tenali Raman’s insight. The Brahmins, however, were outraged by his audacity. They scoffed at Tenali’s answer, dismissing him as a fool.
King Krishnadevaraya, amused by the Brahmins’ reaction, decided to put their wisdom to the test further. He challenged them to a series of puzzles and riddles, each more complex than the last. However, the Brahmins failed miserably, unable to solve even the simplest of challenges.
In contrast, Tenali Raman effortlessly solved each puzzle with wit and humor, earning the admiration of the king and the courtiers. The Brahmins, humiliated by their defeat, slunk away in shame.
From that day forth, the Brahmins learned the importance of humility and respect for others. They no longer boasted about their knowledge but instead sought to learn from everyone, regardless of their status or background.
And thus, with his wisdom and wit, Tenali Raman once again proved that true intelligence lies not in arrogance or pride but in humility and open-mindedness. His cleverness and insight earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
This story teaches us the valuable lesson that humility and respect are the true marks of wisdom, regardless of one’s knowledge or social standing.
IMPORTANT VOCABULARIES:
- Prided: Felt proud or took satisfaction in something.
- Boasted: Talked with excessive pride or self-satisfaction.
- Intellectual: Relating to the intellect or the ability to think and understand ideas.
- Disdain: Feeling or showing a lack of respect or contempt.
- Flattered: Pleased or complimented someone to make them feel good.
- Pomp: Grandeur or splendor, often with an excessive or ostentatious display.
- Humility: Modesty or lack of pride; the quality of being humble.
- Deceptive: Tending to deceive or mislead; giving a false impression.
- Pondered: Thought about something deeply or considered it carefully.
- Elaborate: Involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed or intricate.
- Stumped: Confused or unable to find an answer or solution.
- Insight: Understanding or perception into a situation or problem.
- Outraged: Extremely angry or resentful.
- Audacity: Boldness or daring, especially with disregard for personal safety or conventions.
- Scoffed: Reacted to something with scorn, derision, or contempt.
- Humiliated: Made to feel ashamed or embarrassed, especially in front of others.
- Slunk away: Left quietly or surreptitiously, often due to embarrassment or shame.
