Akbar got up and put the first question to the assembled dignitaries. He warned them that their answer should satisfy him. The first question he put was: In this world, which is the best flower? The Commander-in-Chief replied that the rose was the best flower. Other ministers mentioned the names of jasmine, champak, and other flowers. The Emperor was not satisfied.
He then put a second question: Which milk is the best milk? Once again, there were a variety of answers, none of which satisfied the Emperor. He then put the third question: What is the sweetest thing in the world? Many replied: jaggery (brown sugar). One said honey. Like that, there were varied replies.
The Emperor then passed on to the fourth question: Which leaf ranks highest among leaves? The assembled men gave different answers. Akbar was not satisfied. By this time, Birbal had entered the hall. Akbar then put him the four questions.
Which is the best flower in the world?
Birbal: The flower of the cotton plant is the best. From the cotton flower, we have cotton, out of which yarn is made and clothes are woven. The cotton flower is therefore of lasting use to mankind. Other flowers are only of temporary value and are useless when their fragrance is gone.
Which is the best milk in the world?
Birbal said, the mother’s breast milk is the best, because it nourishes the child.
What is the sweetest thing in the world?
Birbal replied, Sweet speech. Through sweet words you can transform any person and give great joy. Men throw stones when a crow caws. But they listen raptly to the sweet call of the cuckoo. Sweetness in speech is sweeter than anything else
Which is the best leaf in the world?
Birbal said: The betel leaf is the best, Your Majesty. Betel leaves are offered on all auspicious occasions like weddings. The betel leaf is considered sacred and auspicious. Other leaves like plantain leaves have no special value at all. Everyone in the audience was amazed at Birbal’s intelligent answers, which pleased the Emperor. Akbar told the gathering that none of their answers had satisfied him. Akbar expressed his appreciation of Birbal’s replies. The courtiers realized why the Emperor valued so much the words of Birbal. (SSS Vol.31, pp. 56-58)
There are four key questions that every person must show interest in: ‘Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? How long will I be here?’ All spiritual inquiry begins with these questions. The four Vedas give you the answers! Will you drop a letter into the post box without writing the address of the sender and receiver? If you do, then, the letter will go nowhere and the effort in thinking and writing the letter would be wasted! So too, it would be a phenomenal waste of opportunity to have come into this world, without knowing where we have come from and where we are going. Just as the no-address letter will go to the dead-letters office, the clueless individual soul will be caught in the cycle of birth and death for eternity! To avoid this phenomenon, enquiry about the Self with spiritual discipline is essential and must be prioritized. The answers will automatically come to you, as practical experiences. (DD on 25.06.1960)
The jiva (individual soul) will be caught in the cycle of birth and death and can never find itself. For this, Atma-vichara (enquiry about the Self) and for the successful arrival at the correct answers, sadhana (spiritual discipline) is essential. The answers must become part of your experience. (SSS Vol.1, p. 132)