A Clever Answer

The Renowned Scholar of Kashmir

In Kashmir, there lived a great scholar named Kasinath. People came from all over the land to learn from him, and his fame spread far and wide. He was an expert astrologer, known for his prophecies that rarely failed. Though there were other learned men in the land, none was greater than Kasinath.

The Seeds of Jealousy

However, many secretly envied him and even plotted to bring about his downfall. They carried tales to the king, creating an atmosphere of distrust surrounding Kasinath. Influenced by the persuasive words of the jealous individuals, the king summoned Kasinath to test his scholarship.

The King’s Challenge

Upon his arrival at the court, the king pointed to three people assembled in front of him and said, “Kasinath, of these three, one is mad, the second is deaf and mute, and the third is a blind woman. With your abilities, you must make the first one recover his wits, the second one must be made to hear and speak well, and the third must regain her vision. I command you to do this.”

A Difficult Task

Kasinath had not expected such a challenge and felt uncertain about what to do. The king pressed him, “How many days do you need to accomplish this?” After a moment of thought, Kasinath replied, “Oh King! It will take me three months. In the first month, I will examine the lines on their palms and the strength of the planets governing their lives. Then, I will begin treatment accordingly.”

The Consequences of Failure

The king agreed but warned, “Very well. If you do not succeed in curing these people within three months, I shall banish you from this land.” Kasinath left the court, followed by the three individuals he was to cure.

The Report of Failure

After a month, Kasinath returned to the court and said, “My Lord! I have examined their palms and studied the course of their planets. I regret to say that nothing is favourable to them. Therefore, no treatment will be effective.” The king, angered, asked, “Does this mean that you cannot accomplish the task?”

The Importance of Permission

Kasinath replied calmly, “That is not so, my Lord! We can achieve the impossible with spells. In our country, great savants have worked wonders. However, to change the course of the planets, I need your permission.”

The King’s Dilemma

The king, surprised, asked, “Why do you need my permission for that?” Kasinath explained, “If these three good people must regain their lost powers, then the planets must change their positions. However, this will affect the fortunes of many, including possibly your own. If good comes to a few, many may suffer for it. You might even lose your throne. That is why I seek your permission. If you decide that the many should suffer for these cures, I will begin my work tomorrow.”

Fear Among the Courtiers

As the courtiers heard Kasinath’s words, they trembled in fear. They understood the power of Kasinath’s prophecies and were not willing to suffer for the sake of the three troubled individuals. The chief minister whispered to the king, and hastily, the monarch said, “If it is so, then let these three remain as they are.”

Conclusion

With that, Kasinath was dismissed with honours and presents. As for the jealous scholars who had plotted against him, they fled the land, never to be seen again.