It was a long time ago, a strong desire for salvation arose in the mind of a powerful king. He called his Rajpandit to the court and posed a difficult challenge. The king said, “I have heard that Shukdev ji freed King Parikshit from the bondage of birth and death by narrating Shrimad Bhagwat in just seven days. I am giving you one month’s time, you show me the path to salvation. If you succeed, you will be rewarded, otherwise your property will be confiscated and you will be given death penalty.”
Rajpandit was knowledgeable about the scriptures, but he did not have the spiritual experience that could free someone from the worldly attachments. The king’s order took away their sleep at night and peace during the day. The fear of death and the worry of failure were eating him from within. His young son sensed his condition. When the son came to know the reason, he was not upset at all. He said in a calm voice, “Father, stop worrying. Ask the king to accept me as his guru and promise to follow my instructions in letter and spirit.” Rajpandit saw a ray of hope in his son’s words.
Next day a huge crowd gathered in the court. The Rajpandit’s son was standing in front of the king in a calm posture. He reminded the king of his promise and asked for a stronger rope. There was silence in the court when the boy ordered, “The king should be tied tightly to this pillar.” The king was bound by his word, so he did not protest. Soon after, the boy also tied his father to another pole. Pandit ji was angry at his son’s ‘stupidity’, but then the son said, ‘Father, now you untie the king.’
The royal priest shouted in irritation, “You fool! Can’t you see that I myself am tied? How can one who is tied himself free the bonds of others?” This was the moment for which the child was waiting. The king’s eyes sparkled. He understood that how can a royal priest, who is himself bound by the rope of position, wealth and fear of death, free himself from the illusion of the world? The king said humbly, “Gurudev, I understand. Only that great man can free us from the world, who himself has risen above desires and attachments.” The king freed the Rajpandit from his punishment and fear and bowed down at the feet of that child.