The Sleeping Candle

One bright afternoon, Emperor Akbar was strolling through the palace gardens when he noticed something odd a large candle burning brightly, even though the sun was shining overhead.

Perplexed, he turned to Birbal and asked, “Why is this candle burning in daylight? Its light serves no purpose when the sun already lights the world.”

Birbal smiled and replied, “Jahanpanah, this candle is no different from certain people it burns not to give light, but to be noticed.”

Akbar raised an eyebrow, curious.

Birbal continued, “Some do good only when others are watching. Their actions are loud in public but silent in private. Like this candle, they burn for attention, not for true purpose.”

Akbar nodded thoughtfully. “So, true light does not ask to be seen it shines whether or not someone watches.”

Birbal smiled. “Exactly, Your Majesty. Deeds that matter most are the ones done quietly, when no one is looking.”

Akbar ordered the candle extinguished and walked away, the lesson glowing in his heart more brightly than any flame.

Moral: Genuine deeds shine on their own they don’t seek applause or attention.