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The Story of the Craftsman's Extraordinary Demand from Tenali Rama
King Krishna Deva of Vijayanagara was consistently amazed by Tenali Rama's insightful wisdom. This time, he was once again astonished. Having recently triumphed over a neighboring kingdom, the King declared a celebration throughout Vijayanagara, adorning the city as if for a grand festival. To commemorate his victory, King Krishna Deva conceived the idea of constructing a victory pillar in the city. He immediately summoned the most skilled craftsman in the kingdom and assigned him the task.
Following the King's command, the craftsman dedicated himself to the task, working tirelessly for weeks to complete the magnificent victory pillar. Once the pillar was finished, the king and the courtiers, along with the citizens, were awestruck by the craftsman's artistry. Impressed by the craftsman's skill, the King summoned him to the court and offered him an opportunity to request a reward.
The craftsman replied, "Your Majesty, my greatest reward is the appreciation of your work. Your continued favor is all I desire." The King, pleased with the craftsman's humble response, insisted on bestowing a reward. He pressed the craftsman to state his wish.
Understanding the King's intent, the courtiers urged the craftsman to accept a reward. The craftsman, known for his mastery, pride, and intellect, reasoned that refusing a reward might offend the King. Conversely, accepting one could compromise his principles. After some contemplation, he emptied his toolbag before the King and presented the empty bag, saying, "As a reward, please fill this bag with the most precious thing in the world."
The King pondered the meaning of the craftsman's unusual request. After much deliberation with the royal priest, generals, and other courtiers, no one could suggest a fitting answer. Frustrated by the lack of a satisfactory response, the King exclaimed, "What could be more valuable than precious jewels in this world? I shall fill your bag with them!" The craftsman, however, politely declined, stating, "No, Your Majesty, jewels aren't the most precious things in the world." He couldn't accept such a worldly gift.
Fortunately, Tenali Rama was not present in the court that day. Seeing no other solution, the King immediately dispatched a messenger to summon him. Hearing the news, Tenali Rama quickly made his way to the court. On his way, he learned the cause of the King's concern. Upon arriving, he bowed before the King and greeted the other courtiers. Observing the King's dilemma, Tenali Rama announced to the assembly, "Let whoever desires the most precious thing in the world come forward." The craftsman stepped forward, presenting his empty bag to Tenali Rama.
Taking the bag, Tenali Rama carefully opened it, agitated the air inside a few times, and then sealed the bag. He presented the bag back to the craftsman, saying, "You may now accept this bag, for I have filled it with the most precious thing in the world." The craftsman accepted the bag, bowed to Tenali Rama, and, with the King's permission, departed, taking his tools with him.
The onlookers were amazed by this spectacle. The King, curious, questioned Tenali Rama about the craftsman's swift departure without complaint despite receiving an empty bag. The King had been particularly intrigued by the craftsman's previous refusal of jewels.
Addressing the King and the court, Tenali Rama explained, "Your Majesty, the bag was not empty; it was filled with the most precious thing in the world—air. What could be more valuable than air, the very essence of life?" The King was pleased and patted Tenali Rama on the back. Impressed by Tenali Rama's wit, the King awarded him a string of valuable pearls.
Two lessons emerge from this tale. First, true worth cannot be purchased with wealth. Second, air is the most precious element in the world, and its value is immeasurable. We take it for granted, often overlooking its crucial role in life.
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