Page 196 - Kailaspati: Paramhans Hansdevji Avadhoot

an emperor) asked his Minister, “i have but 5 questions to ask you. and i would like you to answer them.
When the Minister agreed to have the questions, the Badshah said, “My first question is—Who is unhappy here and who is happy hereafter? My second question is—Who is happy here and unhappy hereafter? My third question is—Who is happy here and hereafter? My fourth question is—Who is unhappy here and hereafter? My fifth question is—What is sin?”.
The Minister had no ready-made answer to make. he therefore said, “allow me a month and allow me to take leave of you.”
The Badshah granted his prayer. The Minister sat in a calm and quiet place and began to ponder over the questions. he then left the city, went to the ashram of a sage and with all humility said to him, “We would be grateful if you consent to come to the palace of the Badshah on a certain date and time.” The sage said, “i have got nothing to do in a palace. i do not feel like coming in touch with a man engrossed in things earthly.”
The Minister in reply said, “if you decline to go to the Palace, then i would be in trouble. and if you grace us, it would be of great help to me.”
The sage said, “if it is going to help you, then i will go there. Now please tell me on which date and at what time?”
The Minister gave the sage both the date and time and then he left the ashram. after that he went to a danseuse and asked her, “Do come to the Palace on the particular date and at the particular time and assured her of a good reward.”
Thereafter he went to a coolie and ordered him to reach the Palace on the particular date and at the particular time. he also tempted him of a rich reward in return for his service.
There after the Minister met a wealthy merchant. The merchant was generous, benevolent and pious. The Minister requested him to go to the Palace on that particular date and time. and the merchant readily agreed to the proposal.
Finally the Minister went to Pir sahib, the Guru of the King. he then said to him, “i will send you a carcass of a puppy and you come to the Palace with it tomorrow. and that would be a
166 Kailashpati