Once a rich merchant started building a temple in the middle of a forest. Many masons and carpenters were working together to build the temple. They took time off every day to go to the town for their lunch. One day, when the workers left for lunch a group of monkeys came to the temple site and began playing with whatever caught their fancy.

One of the monkeys saw a partly sawed log of wood. The carpenter had inserted a wedge in it so that it does not close up. Being curious, the monkey energetically started pulling the wedge. Finally, the wedge came-off and trapped the legs of the monkey into the rift of the log. Very soon, not able to get his legs out of the closed wood, the monkey died.

Thus, Karnataka told Damanaka, “it is not wise to poke our nose into others affairs." We have enough food store and we are happy. Why should we bother ourselves about this lion?”

Damanaka responded,

“Food is not the important thing in our life. The elders have said that wise men seek the help of the king to help friends and harm enemies. There are hundred ways of collecting food. What matters is a life full of learning, courage and wealth. If living somehow is the goal, even the crow lives long eating leftovers.”

“You are right my friend, but we are not ministers anymore. Our elders have always said that the foolish person who offers unasked advice to the king invites insult,” said Karataka.

“That’s not hundred percent correct,” Damanaka said, “Anyone who serves the king with devotion is bound to earn his favor in the long run. Those who understand why the king is angry or generous will one-day rise in office. It is necessary to be in the good books of the king.”

“So what do you want to do now?” asked Karataka.

“The King is scared now. In such a situation, we can ask him what is frightening him and use the ways of diplomacy to come close to him.”

“But how do you know that the King is scared?”

“Changes in posture, signs, actions, conversation, looks and expression indicate the working of the mind. I have visited the fear-struck King today and with my intellect, I will dispel his fear and once again become his minister,” said Damanaka.

Karataka then left wishing Damanaka good luck.

Damanaka came to the King. He at once recognized Damanaka as the son of his old minister.

However, Damanaka cleverly fell down on his knees and bowed to the King.

“I haven’t seen you since long,” the King said.

“Oh my dear King, I really don’t know of what use can I be to you. Yet the learned ones say that there are occasions when each and every person, big or small, will be of some use to the King. For generations, we have served your family. Yet presently, I am out of your favor.”

“All right, competent or incompetent, you’re the son of our old minister. Tell me what’s on your mind.” Said the King

“May I ask you something, my Lord?” Said Damanaka, “Why did you come back from the river without drinking water?”

“Oh Damanaka, haven't you heard the great and frightening sounds? I am disturbed and want to leave this forest. The strange animal that could make such sounds ought to be as powerful as the sounds he makes.”

“Your majesty, if it is only sound that is your problem, I wish to submit that sounds are misleading. I can tell you the story of the jackal, how it overcame the fear of sound.”

Let’s hear it, said the king.

As Damanaka could find that the king was in trouble by looking at the change in posture signs, actions, and conversations, we can always judge how others are feeling looking at their Body Language.

For example, a happy person will smile, walk with spine straight and talk loudly. While a person who is sad will always look down, the spine shall be bent, speaks softly.

Challenge

Find out what are people around you thinking or how do they feel looking at their body and gesture. Draw a sketch and record a video of yourself explaining how did you judge the body languge.