When the dancer began repeating the couplet once more, the king became angry and said:

“Enough! With just two lines, you have managed to take everything from everyone, even though you are a courtesan.”

When the Guru heard the king’s words, tears filled his eyes.

He said, “King, do not call her a courtesan. She has become my teacher today. She has opened my eyes.”

He continued:

“She is reminding me that I have spent my entire life practicing self-discipline and devotion, but at the very end of my life, I came here to watch a dancer’s performance. Why should I destroy all the spiritual discipline of my lifetime for a few moments of pleasure? I must leave.”

With these words, the Guru picked up his water pot and walked toward the forest.

The king’s daughter then said:

“Father, I have grown up, but you have been ignoring the matter of my marriage. Tonight, I was about to run away with your mahout and ruin my life. But the dancer’s words made me realize that I should not act in haste. I will eventually get married. Why should I bring shame upon you and our family because of one impulsive decision?”

Then the crown prince said:

“Father, you have grown old, yet you have not handed over the kingdom to me. Tonight, I was planning to join hands with some of your soldiers and have you killed so that I could become king. But the dancer’s words opened my eyes. She made me realize, ‘Fool, if not today, then tomorrow the kingdom will eventually be yours. Why carry the sin and disgrace of killing your own father? Have patience.’”

After hearing all this, the king was deeply shaken. He realized the truth of his own attachment and developed a feeling of detachment from worldly power.

He immediately decided:

“Why should I wait? I will crown my son as king today.”

The king then performed the coronation of his son and handed over the kingdom to him.

He told his daughter:

“There are many worthy princes present in this court. Choose the one you wish to marry and place the wedding garland around his neck.”

The princess did exactly that and chose her husband.

Having given up his kingdom and worldly attachments, the king left for the forest to seek his Guru and continue his spiritual journey.

The dancer witnessed everything that had happened.

She thought to herself:

“If two lines of my couplet could transform so many people’s lives, why have I not transformed my own?”

At that very moment, she experienced a profound change of heart.

She decided to give up her profession and prayed:

“O Lord, please forgive me for my sins. From today onward, I will devote my life to remembering Your name and walking on the path of righteousness.”

Moral

The world can change in an instant when wisdom reaches the heart. Sometimes, just two meaningful lines are enough to bring about a complete transformation.

Do not be carried away by praise, and do not burn with anger because of criticism. Continue doing your duty selflessly and patiently.

Everything we possess in this world will eventually be left behind in this very world. What truly remains is our character, our actions, and the goodness we leave behind.

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