The Golden Ladder

One morning, Emperor Akbar awoke from a vivid and beautiful dream. During court, he turned to Birbal and shared it with curiosity.

“I saw a glowing golden ladder reaching up to the heavens,” Akbar said. “It was tall, endless, and shone brighter than the sun. I stood at its base but didn’t climb. What do you think it means, Birbal?”

Birbal smiled thoughtfully and replied, “Jahanpanah, that ladder was not merely a dream it was a message.”

Akbar leaned forward with interest. “A message?”

“Yes,” Birbal continued. “It wasn’t made of gold, but of your intentions. Every rung is built from a deed kindness, honesty, patience, justice, and wisdom. If you wish to climb it, don’t wait for the heavens to lower it to you. Wake up… and start building it yourself.”

The court fell silent in reflection.

Birbal added, “Heaven is not far above us. It rises beneath our feet every time we act with compassion and truth. That is the golden ladder.”

Akbar nodded slowly, realizing the deeper meaning of his dream. “Then today, I shall place my first step,” he said.

Moral: Heaven is not reached by dreams, but by the steps we take in life through goodness and virtue.