Parable of The Zamindar's Palace A big zamindar had built a wonderful palace. To exhibit his wealth, he had lavished upon the palace all the costly features of art and architecture that the artists and architects of the time could think of. The palace was completed. It was unrivalled. The opening ceremony was made in all pomp and grandeur. The zamindar had invited many people to this function. Some admired the paintings that adorned the wall. Some admired the frescoes on the walls themselves. Some admired the superb construction of the halls, others the art lavished on every threshold. Only the engineer who was in charge of the actual construction of the palace remained silent. The Zamindar asked him: "Well, friend, why are you silent? What is it that you admire most in this paradise which owes its birth to me and in shaping which you had such a wonderful part to play?" "Pardon me, Maharaj; I had for a time completely lost the consciousness of the surroundings. While I was contemplating upon the grandeur of the palace, I saw before my mental eye, two sturdy bullocks going round and round the chuna-mixer (lime-mixer). I greatly admire their service. All the glory of this magnificent building belongs to them. What would these architects, engineers and artists have done if those two bullocks had not patiently gone round the lime-mixer, toiling at the task of producing the best lime for use in the construction?" In every grand enterprise there are beautiful things that catch the eye. There are spectacular things that strike awe and wonder into your heart. In the tumult of admiration of these glittering objects, you are apt to forget the silent unostentatious selfless service rendered by the dynamic workers who have helped you build up the mission. To them belongs the real glory. |
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