Two Palmists
The Proud Palmist
In a certain village lived Bhadrasen, a well-known palmist. Many people came to consult him about their future, and everyone was thoroughly impressed by his palm reading skills and predictions. Since Bhadrasen had become quite famous, no other palmist dared to visit his village. If, by chance, a traveling palmist appeared, Bhadrasen would challenge him to a contest of knowledge and humiliate him before the villagers.
The Arrival of Ramshastri
Once, a palmist named Ramshastri strayed into the village unwillingly. As expected, Bhadrasen challenged him, asking, “How many books of palmistry have you studied, for how many years, and under which masters? Where do you live?”
Ramshastri replied humbly, “I can easily answer your questions, but that will not prove my merit. One might study extensively and still remain a blockhead. As for your second question, I live wherever I can earn a living.”
The Challenge of Arrogance
Bhadrasen retorted, “But be sure that you cannot earn a living in this village as long as I am here. We do not care to patronize an unqualified, loafing palmist like you!” Ramshastri felt anger rising at Bhadrasen’s words but resolved to teach him a lesson before leaving the village.
Without showing any sign of rage, he said, “Gentleman! Everybody has some virtue, and everyone must earn a livelihood. I do not understand why you should be so rough toward me. I do not claim to be a greater palmist than you, but in any case, our merits can only be judged by others, not by ourselves!”
The Contest
The villagers agreed, saying, “Ramshastri should not be thrown out of our village merely because Bhadrasen does not like him. Let both read the palm of someone and see who can read accurately.” Just then, the landlord of the next village was passing by. Some villagers approached him, saying, “Sir! We propose a contest between two palmists. It would be very kind of you if you would show your palm to them.”
The landlord had no objection. First, Bhadrasen studied his palm and said, “Since this is a trial of knowledge, I must speak the truth. You are undoubtedly very rich, but you are mean and miserly. You are a slave to your wife’s whims!”
Truth Revealed
“What nonsense!” yelled the landlord. “You know nothing of palmistry. You desire to startle people by insulting me!” Ramshastri then stepped forward and said, “Have patience, sir. Bhadrasen cannot be blamed if what he says is indeed written on your palm. Now let me see it.”
The landlord stretched out his palm before Ramshastri. After examining it for a while, Ramshastri exclaimed, “What a hand! It is rare to find a palm like this in a million! Your generosity, sir, has no equal, and what an obedient and dutiful wife you have! You deserve to be envied even by the gods!”
A Surprising Gift
“That is right!” said the landlord, smiling. “Every word of yours is true!” Ramshastri continued, “I can even disclose what is on your mind just now. You are so kind that you are thinking of making a gift of your ring to me!” At this, the landlord turned pale, for it was a very costly ring.
Ramshastri asked, “What is the matter, sir? Did I say anything wrong?” The landlord replied with a smile, “I was taken aback by the absolute accuracy of your statement. You are a great palmist, sir!” The landlord then removed the ring from his finger and placed it on Ramshastri’s palm before leaving the place. The villagers were full of praise for Ramshastri while Bhadrasen sat glumly, his head hung in shame.
A Lesson in Humility
Before leaving the village, Ramshastri addressed the villagers, saying, “Your Bhadrasen is genuinely a good palmist. Unfortunately, he was arrogant and proud. So, I decided to humble him. His other defect is that he does not know what to say in public and what to say in private.”