The King’s Question
There was a Viking king who was deeply contemplative about the nature of life and death. One day, he asked his minister, “Can you please tell me what lies after death?”
The Minister’s Reflection
The minister paused, thinking for a moment. The room was filled with Viking warriors, drinking and celebrating. Amidst the commotion, a small bird flew in through one window, passed through the room, and flew out through another window. The minister, observing this, turned to the king and asked, “Did you see that?”
The King’s Observation
The king replied, “Yes.”
The Minister’s Explanation
The minister then spoke, “That is your answer. That is life.”
The king, puzzled, asked, “What do you mean?”
The minister explained, “The bird is the self. All of this—this room full of life and activity—is life. The windows represent birth and death. The bird flies through life but remains the same.”
The King’s Curiosity
Intrigued, the king asked, “Yes. Any more?”
The Minister’s Wisdom
The minister continued, “When the bird flies out of that window into the night sky, does it stop existing?”
The king replied, “No, of course not.”
The minister asked, “Before the bird came in this window, was it existing?”
The king said, “Of course.”
The minister concluded, “In the same way, you fly into this body, remain for some years, and then you fly off again.”
The King’s Realization
The king, enlightened by the minister’s explanation, said, “Thank you.”
Reflection on the Story
The Nature of the Self:
- The story illustrates the enduring nature of the self, which remains unchanged through the journey of life and death. Just as the bird flies through the room without losing its essence, the self transitions through life and beyond.
The Temporary Nature of Life:
- The bustling room symbolizes the temporary nature of life, filled with experiences and activities. Birth and death are merely windows through which the self passes.
Continuity of Existence:
- The bird’s flight before entering and after leaving the room signifies the continuity of existence. The self exists before birth and continues to exist after death, highlighting the eternal nature of the soul.
Understanding Life and Death:
- The minister’s wisdom provides a profound understanding of life and death, offering a perspective that transcends the physical existence. It reassures that life is a transient phase in the eternal journey of the self.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Eternal Nature of the Self:
- Recognize that the self is eternal, existing before birth and continuing after death. This understanding can bring peace and reduce the fear of death.
- Perspective on Life’s Transience:
- Life’s experiences are temporary, like the room filled with activity. Embrace life fully but remember its transient nature.
- Continuity and Connection:
- The story emphasizes the continuity of existence and the connection between past, present, and future lives.
- Wisdom in Simplicity:
- Profound wisdom can be conveyed through simple observations, as demonstrated by the minister’s use of the bird’s flight to explain complex concepts.
Conclusion
The story of the Viking king and his minister offers deep insights into the nature of life, death, and the eternal self. It encourages us to view life as a temporary journey and to understand the continuity of existence beyond physical death. By embracing these lessons, we can cultivate a sense of peace and purpose in our lives.
