The King’s Two Question

           Once upon a time in a far away kingdom lived a king who always worked very hard for the welfare of his people. However, one day he felt restless and uneasy. He wanted to know whether all the routine activities he had done at his best really meant something for his people.
            To find the answer to this question, he summoned his advisor, high officials and the wise people in the country. However, the various answers from all of them still could not satisfy him. For his peace of mind and for the best interest of the people, he decided to visit a very famous wise man that lives down the valley.
            When the king arrived, he found the wise man cultivating his land attentively. The man saw that the king was approaching, but he did not greet him. He kept on working industriously. The king came closer, saying, “I am your king, and I have come here to ask you two questions, wise man.”
            The king waited for a moment but the man did not say a word. So the king took a spade and stated to help the old man. He said, “Well, whether you listen to me or not, I am still your king and I still want to ask you two questions for the sake of my people and this kingdom. Firstly, have I been doing the right things for the benefit of my people’s welfare? And secondly: when is the right time to do beneficial things for the welfare of my people?” the old man heard these two questions, yet he still did not say anything.
            In silence, both of them worked together cultivating the land. Suddenly, a young man came staggering. He was bleeding all over. Some wolves had attacked him. Immediately the king and the old man helped him. They took him into the house, stooped the bleeding, cleansed the wounds, and changed his torn clothes.
            Feeling exhausted after plugging and taking care of the wounded man, the king fell asleep. The next morning before leaving, again the king asked the old man his two questions. He was very curious to know the answers. The man smiled wisely and said, “Your Highness, please forgive me for having not served you well. Actually, you have answered the question yourself. To know whether what you do is beneficial for your people or not depends on your own attitude and feeling while doing something. Do you it sincerely, compassionately, and fairly for the people’s welfare? And when is the right time? The answer is now! Yesterday is just the past, tomorrow is just a hope. The most important thing is the present moment. You have proved it yourself when helping me cultivate the land. Skillfully you helped take care of the badly wounded young man. Helping other compassionately, hoping for nothing in return is our duty as a human being.”
            The king was satisfied. “Thank you very much for your answers, old man. I promise to govern this kingdom compassionately so that every moment will be beneficial for the people. “The king then took his leave to return to his palace.