In the Land of Falsehood
A Brahmin’s Journey
Long ago, a Brahmin who had lost his wife and had only his son left in the world set out on a journey to explore the vast realms of life.
Father and son traveled during the day, taking breaks under trees or in sheds from time to time, and spent their nights in various villages. The people offered them shelter and food, as the Brahmin could impress almost everyone with his scholarly knowledge.
The Gift of a Diamond
Once, a certain king was so pleased with the Brahmin that he gifted him a sparkling diamond. Overjoyed, the Brahmin decided he would return to his village after completing his wanderings.
However, upon arriving in a new land, he felt it would be inappropriate to carry the diamond with him as he explored. “It might get lost or stolen in this unfamiliar place,” he thought. Thus, he approached a wealthy merchant and entrusted the diamond to him for safekeeping.
The Merchant’s Denial
After completing his travels, the Brahmin returned to the merchant to reclaim his diamond. To his dismay, the merchant vehemently denied ever having received a diamond.
The Brahmin, feeling wronged, took his complaint to the king of the land. The king summoned the merchant, yet he stubbornly maintained his denial.
A Tragic Turn of Events
<p“Had you truly deposited the diamond with the merchant?” the king queried the Brahmin. “I did. I speak the truth, placing my hand on my son’s head,” the Brahmin replied.
However, at that moment, as he placed his hand on his son’s head, the boy collapsed to the floor. The court physician pronounced him dead.
The king and the merchant laughed at this turn of events. Grieving, the Brahmin carried his son’s lifeless body to the cremation ground, where he broke down in despair.
Wisdom of the Yogi
A yogi, disguised as a beggar, approached him and inquired about his sorrow. The Brahmin recounted his tale and lamented, “I don’t understand why my son had to die when I spoke the truth!”
“My son,” replied the yogi, “this is the land of falsehood. Here, no one values the slightest bit of truth. The malevolent forces of falsehood are dominant, and they took vengeance on you for speaking the truth by striking your son down. But your son is not truly dead. Return to the king and do as I instruct you.”
Defeating Falsehood
The yogi then provided the Brahmin with specific instructions and accompanied him back to the king. Addressing the king while placing his hand on his son’s head, the Brahmin declared, “My lord, I lied when I said that I had deposited one diamond with the merchant. In truth, I deposited a dozen diamonds!”
As soon as he professed this, his son miraculously sprang to life, much to the delight of the forces of falsehood.
The king was bewildered. It was only then that the yogi elucidated the situation to the king and counseled him to transform the atmosphere of his land. The king then rewarded the Brahmin, punished the merchant, and dedicated himself to fighting against falsehood.