once there was a king. he went to his teacher and asked for something that would stay with him forever - joys n sorrows, good times n bad times. his teacher gave him 2 rings to be worn on his fingers, one on his right hand and the other on his left. each of the ring had a small inscription on them, beneath a cover. he instructed the king to open the cover and read the inscription on the right hand ring when he finds himself in the best situation, when there is nothing more he can ask from god. the inscription on the left ring was to be read when he felt rock bottom n hopeless, with no rays of hope left in his life.
it once happened that a neighboring king declared war on our king and our king was on the verge of defeat. he escaped and was being followed by the soldiers of the enemy king, when he reached the edge of a cliff. he felt that this was his end n rather than surrendering it would be better to kill himself. he was then reminded of the teacher and the ring with the inscription. with not much left to be lost,he thought of giving it a shot. he opened the ring and read the insciption.
it read -
'this shall also pass'
the king was inspired to fight back. he hid himself below a ledge of the cliff and was able to escape from the eyes of the soldiers.
he later on went back to some of his loyal men and together they vowed to regain what had been lost. over the years they rebuilt the army and were ready to declare war on the enemy king. they fought the war and this time they won it. he was crowned the king and prosperity returned to his kingdom. having regained what had been lost and in more than full, it was definitely the best day of his life. he was again reminded of the second ring his teacher had given to be read in time of utmost joy.
the inscription read -
'this shall also pass'
often it happens in our live that we are so shattered by sorrow or so elated in joy that we forget about the cycle of life, which has both joys n sorrows in equal parts. we should not be so engrossed in our joys or sorrows that we fail to see beyond them...
