It is a very old story, Once there was a kingdom in southern India named Maneswram. There a pundit was living, whose name was Vanumitra. He was very intelligent , but instead he never got a chance to be selected as an official adviser of kings court. Everyone who knew him, always told him not to stay there in the court as he had no value there and he should request the king for any small designation in a different field. If he couldn't do that then that place was not for him. But Vanumitra was a very kind and simple person. Every time people criticized him, He used to smiled a bit and ignored them. Some people even criticized him in front of him, But he never took that as a serious matter. People commented him negatively that If he could not able to utilize his talent then his knowledge was worthless. Vanumitra also ignored this kind of comments. He usually never replied these type of comments.
Vanumitra had a son named Swami, who was more talented than his father. In every area Swami had a better knowledge than his father. He was appreciated by everyone unlike Vanumitra.
One day Swami was going to a temple. In his way Swami heard some people talking about him. One of those people was saying that "Swami was so talented and very smart. To acquire this level of knowledge is not easy as it sounds". So Swami had earned more fame and respect than his father. Then another person out of that group replied "what is the benefit of getting so much knowledge, If someone could not utilize it. Swami also will be left behind like his father. His father had no courage to show his knowledge in front of others, So if his father did not had that confidence then how could Swami will get that confidence? Only knowledge is not enough, We should know how to utilize it, So Swami will also get lost in the crowd."
After listening this Swami felt very ashamed of himself. He then decided to not to repeat this mistake. After returning from the temple he told his father that he was going to meet the king. Vanumitra smiled at his face and said that his blessings were always with him. He let him go but asked him first to met a sage named Marichi who was living in Himalaya and also to bring a Deodar tree while returning.
After listening to his father's advice Swami started his journey to the Himalayas. He also bought the Deodar plant with him in return. Vanumitra told him to take care of this little plant with intense care. He also told him that when three new leaf will sprout of this plant then only he could go to the court to meet the king. Swami also took it seriously and took care of that plant. But the plant started to wilt down slowly. Swami was very sad and disappointed that he could not saved that little plant even after intense care.
Then vanumitra told him.." Did you know why this plant died? And answered that this environment is not suitable for this plant and also the soil is not suitable for its growth. In the same way our king's court is not suitable for us. There those people only appreciates about only war and tech-tics. Where your knowledge has no value nor any requirement.
Whether it may be a human being or a plant everyone needs a good environment and right supplement for growth and survival. So for knowledge 'respect' is the right supplement.
After listening to his father Swami said 'I understood now, my respected father'. Then he never think of that court and lived happily with his own knowledge and instincts.
From this story we have learned that we can grow and achieve any success by hard work and dedication, But we also need right environment and support.
Thank you for reading m story.. More to come soon.
@bibekchandra