Teaching Story - Brother In Law

by Life Positive

“That is a good idea,” Akbar said, “I will have all the brothers-in-law of the city hanged since all of them are troublesome.” Birbal was shocked although he did not utter a word against the decision of the Emperor. “He will soon realise what he is doing,” Birbal said to himself.

On the day the men were to die, Akbar and Birbal visited them in the prison. Akbar noticed that some gallows were made of wood, others of stone, while one was made of gold. The confused emperor asked Birbal, “What is the golden gallows for?” Birbal replied, “You too are a brother-in-law, Your Majesty. The golden gallows is for you to be hanged.” Akbar realised that the decision he had taken was foolish and freed all the men.

Apply it: Never take a decision unthinkingly; always think before you act.

January 2009