In a kingdom ruled by an arrogant king, a sage arrived with a profound lesson to impart. The king's pride and disdain for others had earned him scorn from neighboring rulers and his own subjects alike.
Undeterred by the king's reputation, the sage approached the palace with a purpose. Disregarding the usual formalities, he walked straight into the royal chambers, much to the king's displeasure.
The king's anger flared as he demanded an explanation for the sage's audacity. But the sage, unruffled by the king's ire, calmly requested lodging for the night, referring to the palace as an inn.
Incensed by the perceived insult to his grandeur, the king rebuked the sage, asserting his royal authority and dismissing the notion of his palace being a mere inn.
Unperturbed, the sage posed a series of simple yet profound questions to the king. With each inquiry, he gently guided the king toward a deeper understanding of humility and impermanence.
Through the sage's gentle wisdom, the king came to realize the transient nature of his power and possessions. Like a guest passing through an inn, the palace had been handed down from generation to generation, each ruler occupying it for but a fleeting moment in time.
In the face of this sobering truth, the king's arrogance melted away, replaced by humility and introspection. Falling at the sage's feet, he vowed to relinquish his pride and embrace a life guided by wisdom and compassion.
The sage's lesson resonated deeply within the king's heart, serving as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly wealth and the importance of humility in the face of life's ever-changing fortunes.
Thus, enlightened by the sage's teachings, the once-arrogant king embarked on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, guided by the timeless wisdom of humility and grace.