The Next Function

There was an epidemic in the villages. The King was informed about it. His guru advised him, “You should immediately establish a hospital to treat the people beset by the disease!”

However, the King did not take any action in that direction. After two months, the epidemic spread to the capital, affecting several of the King’s courtiers. Only then did the King set up a hospital. Following this, he went to his guru, who lived in an ashram in the forest, and said, “Master! I have founded the hospital. I request you to come and preside over its inaugural function!”

“My dear King, I will go to preside over the function that will mark its closing down. Let’s wait for that day,” replied the guru.

The King realized that it was no time for formalities. He should have taken steps to address the epidemic as soon as he learned about it. He understood that he must do everything possible to bring a swift end to the crisis at hand.