The Good Disciple
The King’s Family Deity
The kings of Shobhnagar had their family deity in a temple located inside the palace. Raghu Bhatta served as the priest, commanding great respect. Apart from his religious duties, he was also a trusted adviser to the king.
A Sudden Turn of Events
Raghu Bhatta retired from the king’s service at the age of ninety. His nephew, Ballav, took over as the priest. However, Raghu Bhatta did not lose interest in court matters; Ballav regularly reported to him on everything that transpired in the kingdom.
Tragically, the king died unexpectedly, leaving behind two sons. On his deathbed, he ordered that the princes, Arjun and Subal, should live separately and rule the kingdom from two different towns: Sundarpur and Vilasgarh. However, the king did not specify who should reside where.
The Dilemma of the Princes
“Both the princes desire to live at Sundarpur,” Ballav reported to Raghu Bhatta.
Raghu Bhatta looked pensive. Sundarpur was the kingdom’s capital and close to the capitals of neighboring kingdoms, while Vilasgarh was situated in a sparsely populated area. Raghu Bhatta understood the personalities of both princes. Arjun, the elder, was intelligent and sober, while Subal was haughty and foolish. Raghu Bhatta wanted Arjun to stay in Sundarpur.
A Meeting with the Princes
The next day, Raghu Bhatta visited the court. The courtiers stood up, honoring the venerable old man. Raghu Bhatta greeted them and entered the room where the two princes were discussing their predicaments.
They bowed to the priest. “I heard that you are to rule from two different places. I deemed it my duty to bless you,” said Raghu Bhatta.
“The problem is, we cannot decide who will stay here and who should proceed to Vilasgarh. Can you solve our problem?” asked the princes.
“How can I? Haven’t I retired from the affairs of state?” replied Raghu Bhatta.
“Even so, please decide this case for us!” the princes urged.
A Story of Two Disciples
“Very well, if you insist. I remember a story. Once, there was a rishi who had two disciples. After twelve years at the ashram, they were to return home and sought the rishi’s blessings. The rishi gave a pinch of ash to each. The first one immediately swallowed it, while the second threw it away. In time, the first became famous as a scholar, while the second, who went on to criticize his master, amounted to nothing. I hope none of you will criticize me for my actions,” said Raghu Bhatta.
“Never. You decide, and we will accept your decision,” promised the princes.
The Clever Plan
That evening, Raghu Bhatta sent a private message to Arjun, advising him not to be a good disciple like in the story.
The next day, Raghu Bhatta met the princes and presented them with two small pieces of paper. “Pick one,” he said.
Subal randomly selected one and immediately swallowed it, mirroring the good disciple from the story.
“I had written the names of both towns separately on the papers. The one who picks up the paper with Sundarpur will remain here, while the one with Vilasgarh will go there,” Raghu Bhatta explained.
“But Subal swallowed his paper before reading it!” protested Arjun.
“So what? Let us see what is on your paper; that will clarify what was on mine!” suggested Subal.
Arjun unfolded his paper and saw the name “Sundarpur” written on it.
Without another word, Subal left for Vilasgarh.
A Masterstroke of Wisdom
The priest had cleverly written the same word on both papers so that Arjun’s choice would ensure he stayed in Sundarpur. As for Subal, the experienced priest anticipated that he would act as the good disciple and swallow his paper anyway.