A wandering monk once visited the city of Mithila, ruled by the Sage King Janaka. “Who is the best teacher around here?” He asked around. To his surprise every spiritual person around referred to him the name of King Janaka. The monk was both puzzled and furious. “How can a King be spiritually that high? These people don’t know what true spirituality is.” he thought.
He went to the King and asked him “O King, learned people around here, speak highly of you, how can you a worldly man of pleasures be more spiritual than those who have given up their everything for the sake of knowing the highest truth?” “Dear one, you have come from a far place, you must have been tired. Let’s eat and rest for the day, we can discuss further tomorrow.”
The King took him to the royal dinner table, fed him variety of foods, and pleased his palates. He took him to a spacious room and told him to rest there.
There was a huge sword hung from the ceiling, hanging just above the bed. “What is this?” asked the monk. “Oh don’t mind it, it has been there for ages, it is an old custom, just have a good sleep. See you in the morning.” said the King and rushed out hurriedly.
The monk was worried that the sword might fall on him and kill him during the night; he couldn’t close his eyes even if he tried.
The king met him the next day, “Sir, how was the night. I hope you slept well” asked the King.
“How could I sleep? there was a huge sword hanging on my neck.” monk explained his trouble.
“When one knows death is certain, how the pleasures of world can sway him away, how can the worldly duties ever limit his eyes from the supreme goal?” said the King answering the Monk’s earlier question.
ॐभर्भुव: स्व: तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यंभर्गोदेवस्यधीमहिधियोयोन:प्रचोदयात्।।