544. The Gesture By the Sages

"I feel honoured and delighted that so many sages and scholars from various countries have come here to greet me, on my completing ten years of my incarnation as the king. At the same time, this is also a bit embarrassing to me.

"This may be an important day for me. But, it is surprising to me that wise men, sages and even the Rajagurus* of some kings have come here, to felicitate me. My minister Amaruvi has arranged for this event, keeping it a surprise for me. I may be sacking him, after this event is over!" said King Trilokachandran and looked at Amaruvi, with a smile.

Pungava, one of the most respected sages present there, told the king, "Oh, king! This event was not arranged by your minister. The entire world commends you for nurturing your citizens like a mother and protecting them like a father. Even monarchs of  other countries admire your rule and have sent their Rajagurus to felicitate you. Your minister organized this function, only in deference to the wishes o all of us."

"Oh, noble souls! I am grateful to you or your kindness and goodwill and for coming here to bless me. I want to prostrate at the feet of all of you. I request all of you to stand together, so that I can fall at your feet, by way of expressing my gratitude for your love and affection towards me and for your goodwill and wishes."

Trilokachandran walked towards the gathering.

"Wait, king. Before you pay obeisance to us, there is something we have to do. Twelve of us, the oldest among us, want to make an offering to you, on behalf of all of us assembled here. After accepting it, you may pay obeisance to us, as desired by you" said Pungava.

Twelve elderly sages stepped forward and stood before the king. They then fell at his feet.

Startled by what the sages had done, the king stepped back, exclaiming, "Oh, my God! What is this? You are erudite ascetics, who deserve to be worshipped by the entire world. How can you prostrate before me!"

"Oh, king! A king who rules in such a way that his sceptre always remains straight, deserves to be worshipped by the entire world. We only worshipped you on behalf of the entire world" said Pungava.

"Your Majesty! The ancient epic Tholkappiyam says, 'The wise men represent the world.' These noble men paying their obeisance to you amounts to the whole world paying its obeisance to you" said Amaruvi, the Minister.

* Rajaguru is a an erudite person whom the king considers his mentor and guide.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 55

The Right Sceptre

Verse 544 (in Tamil):

kudi tazhIk kOlOchchum mAnila mannan
adi thazhI niRkum ulagu.

Meaning:

The world will embrace the feet of the ruler,

who embraces his people and renders justice.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'munivargaLin seyal' by the same author.)

Verse 545 (Soon)

Verse 543