A flock of agitating flies visited the Emperor-moth (Shah-e-Parvana) and demanded that they too be given the esteemed 'Moth-status'. "We too have wings & can fly like you, then why this discrimination? Why this inferior treatment?", complained the fly-leader. "There is no task wherein the moths can better us", reasoned the fly-captain.
"Ok, lets test", replied the Emperor-moth. He formed 2 teams, one of the flies & the other of the moths and arranged for a competition. He assigned them the same task. "Go and find light!", he told them.
The flies & the moths rushed out with full vigor. Within a jiffy, the triumphant flies returned before the Emperor-moth. They were panting for breath from the rigors of their exercise. "There are wick-lamps burning mildly at the temple, there's a fire that's lit up by a farmer to roast the corn, there's a pyre burning by the river-side and also a stove that's warming milk for the little-ones... We managed to spot light at all these places & beat the moths by returning to u before them. The moths, in fact, haven't even returned as yet! Can the 'moth-status' be rightfully bestowed upon us now?", questioned the flies.
"The decision was made the moment u returned", replied the Emperor-moth.
Moral - If u find light in life, why return?
Acknowledgments - This was a parable narrated by a Sufi-singer from Karachi as part of a documentary being aired on NDTV 24X7 channel. He was highlighting the difference between spirituality & religion. Liked it, hence sharing it...
