High up in the hills of Assam was a famous temple. The temple priest of this temple was greatly respected. As he grew older, the priest started looking out for a successor who could take charge of the temple after him. But, he could not find a single person suitable for the position. When will my search for the most suitable successor be over? The priest said to himself. The day came when the old priest lay on his deathbed. He called for the caretaker of the temple. Gopan, after my death, makes sure that only a humane person is chosen as the priest of this temple. Saying this, the holy men breathe his last. In the evening...
Oh, our beloved priest is no more! The need for a new priest is urgent now. I must call all the hopeful men to attend an interview at the temple.
The day of the interview arrived. Gopan was standing at the topmost point of the hill where the temple was located.
I see a large number of young men making the steep and dangerous climb. How will I know whom to choose? I can take their knowledge of the holy books. But, the wise one definitely wanted me to look for something more.
What could it be?
By the time the young men reached the temple, they were exhausted. Gopan gave them food and water.
Then, they were asked to recite verses from the sacred texts. Each Young man was better than the other. they all are perfect. Any one of them would make a good Priest. What do I do?
Just then a tired young man limped into the temple courtyard. It was easy to see that he was badly hurt. His clothes were torn in several places. What happened to you? Have you come for the interview? Look at your feet! They are hurt badly!
Please sir don't worry about me, it was my dearest wish to be the temple priest here. But I know I am very late for the interview.
But what happened to you? Have you been attacked along the way when you were walking here? Didn't you follow the same route as the others?
Indeed I did. But the mountain part was full of thorny bushes and Sharp stones. So I decided to clear it. Now people can come to the temple without getting hurt on the way. That is why I am late.
Gopan was filled with wonder. The wise one's words came back to him.
Make sure that only a humane person is chosen as the priest of this temple. The holy man couldn't have been clearer.
Son on seeing you I know what the wise priest was talking about. You are The chosen one. You are the new Priest of the temple. What!
What do you mean? Why do you choose this young man who was late for the interview?
Today all of you climb the same dangerous part to get here on time but only one of you thought of his fellow beings and took up the task of clearing the path.
He did this to make it easier for those who wish to pray at the temple. As a result, this young man got the chance to be selected as the priest here.
Yes, he is right that's true we agree he deserves to be the one.
Thank you wise one. I would never have known better if not for your words of wisdom. All these fine young men would have made perfect priests. But only one truly good humane person could have been your worthy successor.
