“The Tale of the Three Sons” – Betaal Pachisi

The Vikram and Betal stories, part of Indian folklore, are rich in ethical dilemmas and wisdom. One of the most memorable stories from this collection is “The Tale of the Three Sons,” which explores themes of skill, merit, and the value of the contribution. Through this tale, readers are invited to reflect on the nature of human accomplishments and the complexity of determining who deserves recognition for their efforts.

Setting the Scene: The Quest for Skills

The story begins with a king who has three sons. Each of the three princes is determined to acquire exceptional skills that will make them worthy of succeeding their father. To achieve this, they set out on separate journeys, each in search of a unique ability that would distinguish them from their brothers.

After traveling for a long time, each of the princes comes across a skilled teacher who imparts to them a particular craft. The first prince learns the art of creating life-like objects from clay. With his skill, he can mold any object into existence, whether it is a replica of a living creature or an intricate artifact. The second prince learns how to breathe life into inanimate objects. His teacher instructs him in the secret arts of animating lifeless things, allowing him to grant them motion and vitality. The third prince, for his part, learns how to restore the dead to life. This remarkable skill gives him the ability to reverse the finality of death, a power that makes him feel invincible.

Satisfied with their newfound knowledge, the three brothers return to their father’s kingdom to demonstrate their skills. Each son believes that his ability is the most valuable, and they eagerly await the judgment of the king, who will determine who deserves the throne based on their contributions.

The Test of Merit: A Dead Lion and the Princes’ Collaboration

Upon their return, the princes decide to showcase their talents in a joint demonstration. They find a dead lion in the forest and agree to work together to bring it back to life, each using their individual skills. The first prince uses his mastery of clay to recreate the lion’s body, molding it into a perfect replica of the dead creature. Once the body is complete, the second prince uses his power to breathe life into the form, giving it the semblance of a living being. Finally, the third prince, with his ability to revive the dead, brings the lion fully back to life, returning its vitality and consciousness.

However, the consequences of their actions quickly become apparent. The lion, now fully revived and in its natural state, is wild and uncontrollable. It immediately attacks the three princes, threatening their lives. In a desperate struggle, the brothers are forced to defend themselves and eventually kill the very creature they had brought back to life.

This dramatic turn of events leaves the princes shaken, and they return to the palace with a deeper understanding of the unintended consequences of their actions. While they were proud of their skills, they had underestimated the dangers of using them without wisdom or foresight.

The Riddle of Merit: Who Deserves the Throne?

After the lion incident, the princes approach their father, the king, to present their case. Each son believes that his contribution to the revival of the lion was the most crucial and therefore feels entitled to inherit the throne. The first prince argues that without his ability to create the lion’s body from clay, there would have been no foundation for the others to work on. The second prince contends that his skill in breathing life into the inanimate form was the most important step, as it gave the body the semblance of life. The third prince, however, claims that his power to revive the dead was the ultimate act that completed the process and restored the lion to its full vitality.

The king, confronted with this dilemma, faces the challenge of determining who among his sons deserves the throne. The question is not just about which skill was the most impressive, but which one had the greatest value in the broader context of leadership and responsibility.

At this point, the wise Betal, who has been narrating the story to King Vikramaditya, poses a riddle: “Of the three brothers, who should be deemed the most deserving of the throne, and why?”

Vikram’s Judgment: The Role of Wisdom in Leadership

King Vikramaditya, after hearing the story and pondering Betal’s question, provides a thoughtful answer. He recognizes that while all three brothers displayed exceptional skills, none of their abilities alone is enough to prove they are worthy of the throne. Instead, Vikramaditya focuses on the broader implications of the story, where wisdom and foresight play a more crucial role than technical prowess.

Vikram points out that the brothers acted without considering the consequences of their actions. In their eagerness to demonstrate their abilities, they neglected to account for the fact that reviving a dangerous creature like a lion could lead to disastrous outcomes. The skills they had learned were impressive, but their lack of wisdom and responsibility nearly cost them their lives.

Vikram concludes that none of the three brothers should be awarded the throne based solely on their demonstrated skills. Instead, a true king must possess not only ability but also the wisdom to use that ability judiciously for the welfare of the kingdom and its people. A leader must be able to foresee the consequences of his actions and must act in the best interests of his subjects, balancing power with responsibility.

The Moral of the Tale: Skill vs. Wisdom

“The Tale of the Three Sons” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wisdom in leadership and decision-making. The story illustrates that while skills and abilities are valuable, they must be tempered with foresight, judgment, and a sense of responsibility. The three princes, in their zeal to prove themselves, overlooked the potential dangers of reviving a wild animal, ultimately leading to a crisis that could have been avoided.

The tale also emphasizes that merit is not simply about individual accomplishments. True merit lies in the ability to consider the broader consequences of one’s actions and to use one’s skills for the greater good. The story underscores the fact that leadership is not just about power or expertise; it is about understanding the complexities of the world and acting with wisdom, compassion, and responsibility.

Conclusion: A Timeless Lesson

The Vikram and Betal stories, including “The Tale of the Three Sons,” continue to resonate with audiences because they offer timeless lessons that are applicable to all facets of life. In this particular tale, the focus on merit, skill, and wisdom is as relevant today as it was when the story was first told. It teaches us that while expertise is important, true leadership and success come from the ability to think critically, act responsibly, and prioritize the well-being of others.

Ultimately, the story encourages us to reflect on our own actions and the motivations behind them, urging us to seek not only skill but also wisdom in our endeavors.