The Countless Stars

One clear night, as Emperor Akbar gazed up at the starry sky from his palace balcony, he turned to his court and asked, “Tell me, how many stars are there in the sky?”

The courtiers exchanged puzzled glances. Some tried to guess, while others stayed silent, knowing the task was impossible.

The next day in court, Akbar repeated the question. “Surely someone among you must have an answer.”

Birbal stepped forward carrying a large sack. Without a word, he opened it and poured out thousands of tiny millet seeds onto the marble floor.

“Here, Jahanpanah,” Birbal said with a calm smile, “count these first then we’ll begin counting the stars.”

The court erupted in laughter, and Akbar himself chuckled heartily. “Well played, Birbal,” he said. “You’ve made your point.”

Birbal bowed and replied, “Some things, Your Majesty, are not meant to be counted. They are meant to be admired like the stars, like wisdom, like the endless wonders of creation.”

Akbar nodded thoughtfully, gazing once more at the sky.

Moral: Not everything great in life can be measured some things are meant only to be appreciated.