The wise man of Vijayanagaram.

Often, scholarly discussions and debates took place in the Royal court of Emperor Krishnadevaraya. Famous scholars used to to come from far and wide to take part in these debates. it was an opportunity to learn, share the knowledge and gain acclaim. these discussions would go on for hours in the presence of The Emperor who thoroughly enjoyed hosting such gatherings.

soon after joining the emperor's Court,Raman found that a debate was to be held. he knew this was an opportunity to gain the attention of the emperor. on the day of the debate, Raman arrived at Court to see it overflowing with wise men from all over the country. already, a discussion was ongoing, I heated one that too! The wise men were talking about illusion or Maya.

one amongst them said, ' dear friends, this world is an illusion, and unreal. we see an object, hear a sound, smell a fragrance, touch to feel something and taste a delicacy. but all these are imaginations, and not reality. nothing is real except illusion. this is why the great Saints call this world Maya.'

the men proceeded to tell them why they as wise men needed to understand this and become detached from their worldly attachments. this was the only path to true wisdom.

now, had he stopped there it might have been all well and good. but the scholar went on to say that all the wiseman gathered in Emperor Krishnadevaraya's court were frauds as they were fooled by Maya.

no one likes to be called a fool, least of all the ones who believe they are learnt. Chaos erupted in the court. the emperor watched keenly, not wanting to interfere.See, the emperor had a hidden agenda in calling the gathering at this time. he was looking for an addition to his Council of Advisors. what better way to find an advisor then this? Surely, there would be someone your who prove to be brilliant.

however, apart from throwing insults at each other, no one came up with a reasonable argument. Raman saw his opportunity and seized it. He stood up and turned to the scholar, ' If I may ask a question, sir, are you not fooled by maya?'

' of course I am not,' the man cried.' I have given up all worldly attachments in my quest for knowledge, for truth. '

' that's wonderful, my good sir. I suppose you want to be joining us for the feast later then?' The scholar frowned, an sure where Raman was headed with this line of talk.' if our reality is an Illusion and you do not believe in giving into it... then surely you don't need to eat food, do you? Perhaps you can even imagine your stomach is full and that will be enough?'

the court burst into laughter. the scholar was embarrassed. he understood that he had been defeated. the emperor was impressed by Raman's wit and gifted him gold coins.

' I look forward to hearing more of your witty remarks. I hear your boy appoint you as one among my councillors,' said the Emperor to Raman. Thus , Tenali Raman became the Vidushaka or the wise man of Emperor Krishnadevaraya's court.

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