Once, Akbar and Birbal were travelling through a forest. Both were very tired, thirsty and hungry. But they could not find a single house or place which could provide them rest and nourishment.
Birbal sat under a tree and began to chant the name of Lord Rama. Akbar said there is no point in praying and moved forward in search of food and succour.
Akbar found a town. He knocked on a door and requested for food. The householders were very happy to receive the King. They quickly prepared a feast and fed the King to his heart’s content. Akbar carried some food to Birbal. Birbal was still praying. Handing over the packet of food to him Akbar said, ”Look, because of my effort, I got us both food.”
Birbal answered,
“Look at my good fortune, by Sri Rama’s grace, the Emperor brought me food and served it to me at the place I am sitting.”
Both Individual effort and Divine grace are important to achieve success in life.
Translated by : Dr. Sharada Jayagovind
