There was once a king who was going
to put to death many people, but before
doing so he offered a challenge.
If any of them could come up with
something which would make him
happy when he was sad, and sad when
he was happy, he would spare their lives.
All night the wise men meditated
on the matter.
In the morning, they brought the king
a ring.
The king said that he did not see how
the ring would serve to make him
happy when he was sad and sad
when he was happy.
The wise men pointed to the inscription.
When the king read it, he was so delighted
that he spared them all.
And the inscription?
“This too shall pass.”
Source:
Book: “Journey of Awakening”
Author: Ram Dass
