Page 248 - Kailaspati: Paramhans Hansdevji Avadhoot

atop the cot being borne by the ministers. On seeing the ministers coming to the Court, the soldiers, the guards, the attendants allowed them to go along. The ministers with the cot atop their shoulders came to the Emperor at last, and said, “shahenshah, we have borne this Pir on our shoulders and he will answer all your questions.”
The Badshah, with his keen and meticulous eyes, could see through the guise of Birbal and could identify him. and Birbal bowed his head without the notice of others to the Emperor. But before it could happen, the Emperor under the spell of illusion offered his befitting respect to the Pir. and when the ministers said, “Your highness, this Pir will answer all your questions.” The Emperor said, “i have got all the answers to my questions from Birbal.”
The moment the ministers heard these words from the Emperor, they looked into the face of the Payagambar whom they had offered befitting respect and came to understand that the Payagambar was no other than Birbal—their arch rival. in fact, they were too worried and upset to see through the guise of Birbal. On hearing the words of the Emperor, the ministers stood dumbfounded. The Emperor said, “it is purpose which is the most important thing. Every endeavour must be made to get a plan executed. That i have employed so many officials and so many soldiers is because i want to do my kingly job well. My purpose is to govern my country. Purpose is nothing but determination. Nothing other than purpose or determination is dearer to me. What can be dearer on earth but the fruition of this purpose? The question you failed to answer was duly and perfectly answered by Birbal. Birbal is therefore wise and intelligent as well, and only for this reason i love him, i honour him and have appointed him my Prime Minister. and you too have made him a Payagambar only to serve your purpose.”
having told this story, the King said, “My dear Queen, my determination or my purpose is dearer to me. i have already decided to meditate on God either in the cave of a mountain or in a dense forest.”
The Queen said, “Your Majesty, since you have still in you
218 Kailashpati