No Brain
The King’s Concern
Kasinath was the ruler of a place called Ka. He was not particularly bright, but when something caught his interest, he would not rest until it was done. He had two sons whom he wanted to educate, so he sent them to a reputable teacher. After some time, he summoned the preceptor and inquired, “Well, how are my sons studying?”
A Shocking Revelation
The master replied, “Sire, the older prince excels in his studies, but the younger one appears to lack intelligence.”
The king, surprised, exclaimed, “What?! No intelligence? Then let him acquire it.”
The Guru responded, “Sire, most people in the world lack intelligence.”
Puffed up with pride, the king declared, “Is that so? Then in my land, at least, there shall be no one without it. Everyone must possess intelligence.”
With that, he dismissed the teacher and summoned his Minister, ordering him to find a solution to the problem of brainlessness.
The Minister’s Advice
The Minister, looking worried, said, “Sire, I have heard that some medicines can stimulate brain growth. We should consult our physicians.”
Kasinath then called a conference of physicians and commanded them, under threat of death, to find a medicine that could create intelligence where none existed.
The physicians replied in unison, “Sire, with our medicines, we can improve weak intellects, but how can we create where none exists?”
A Quest for Solutions
The king refused to accept defeat. A royal proclamation went out, declaring that anyone who could find a remedy for this vexing issue would be suitably rewarded.
Days later, a man presented himself before the king and introduced himself, “Sire, I am descended from the lineage of Dhanwantari, the great physician. My name is Vaidyanath. I can transform fools into intelligent men. You may test my powers.”
The Answer He Sought
The king, eager for a solution, asked, “Do you possess a powerful medicine that can create brains in human beings?”
With confidence, Vaidyanath replied, “Sire, it is prepared. Give the word, and I shall transform your population within a year.”
The king granted him permission to proceed and generously funded his efforts. Vaidyanath prepared his medicines and administered them to the people, who, fearing disobedience to the king’s orders, swallowed the concoction, fully aware there was nothing wrong with their brains.
The Results
At the end of the year, Vaidyanath sought his reward. The king dispatched soldiers to investigate whether anyone still lacked intelligence. The soldiers confirmed that no one was without intelligence, and pleased, the king showered gifts on the remarkable physician and recommended him to the paramount ruler in Ayodhya.
A Humorous Acknowledgment
The ruler read the letter presented by Vaidyanath and, amused, asked, “In the course of your treatment, you must have encountered many fools. Tell me, who was the greatest of them all?”
Without hesitation, Vaidyanath replied, “Kasinath, of course.”
The court erupted in laughter.
The emperor, smiling, said, “Vaidyanath, you are not only resourceful but also bold. I shall make you the ruler of Kasi in place of that foolish fellow, Kasinath.”
And thus, one man profited from the foolishness of another.