Three Questions

 One day it occurred to a certain emperor that if he only knew the answers to three questions, he would never stray in any matter.

1) What is the best time to do anything?
2) Who are the most  important people to work with?
3) What is the most important thing to do at all times?

The emperor issued a decree throughout his kingdom announcing that whoever could answer the questions would receive a great reward.  Many who read the decree made their way to the palace at once, each with a different answer.

In reply to the first question, one person advised the use of a thorough time schedule to be followed each day, down to the letter.

Another advised he put all vain amusements aside and remain attentive to everything in order to know what to do and at what time.

Yet another advised he set up a Council of the Wise, and act according to their advice.

And if he wanted to know in advance when to do something, he should consult with magicians and soothsayers.

Responses to the second and third questions were also out of accord, and included such recommendations as  placing reliance on priests, monks, physicians and warriors.

To the third question some said science was the most important pursuit, others insisted on religion or military skill.
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                           The emperor was not pleased, so no reward was given.

 
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After several nights of reflection, the emperor resolved to visit a hermit who lived up on the mountain and was said to be an enlightened man.  The emperor wished to find the hermit and ask him the three questions.  Knowing the hermit never left the mountains and was known to only receive the poor, the emperor disguised himself as a simple peasant.  He ordered his attendants to wait for him at the foot of the mountain while climbed the slope alone to seek the hermit.

Reaching the holy man's dwelling place, the emperor found the hermit digging a garden in front of  his hut.  The emperor approached him and said, 'I have come to ask your help with three questions:  When is the best time to do each thing?  Who are the most important people to work with? What is the most important thing to do at all times?

The hermit listened attentively but only patted the emperor on the shoulder and continued digging.  The emperor said, 'You must be tired, here, let me give you a hand wit that.'  The hermit thanked him, handed the emperor the spade, then sat down on the ground to rest.

After he dug two rows, the emperor turned to the hermit and asked his questions again.  The hermit still did not answer.  Two hours later the emperor put down the spade and said to the hermit, 'If you can't answer my questions, please let me know so I can be on my way home.'

At that moment, the hermit lifted his head and asked, 'Do you hear someone running over there?'  They both turned to see a man emerge from the woods, running wildly, pressing his hands against a bloody wound in his stomach.  The man ran toward the emperor before falling to the ground where he lay groaning.  Opening the man's clothing, the emperor and the hermit noticed the man had received a deep gash.  They cleaned the wound and offered him water to drink  before carrying him to the hermit's hut.  

Fatigue had set in and the man and the emperor fell asleep, only to awaken just after day break, each mildly confused, having awakened in unfamiliar surroundings.  The man then looked over and saw the emperor.  He stared at him intently and then said in a faint whisper, 'Please forgive me.'

'But what have you done that I should forgive you?' the emperor asked.

'You do not know me, your majesty, but I know you.  I was your sworn enemy and I had vowed to take vengeance on you, for during the last war you killed my brother and seized my property.  When I learned you were coming alone to the mountain to meet the hermit, i resolved to surprise you on your way back to kill you.  But after waiting a long time...still no sign of you, I came across your attendants, who recognized me, giving me this wound.  Luckily, I escaped and ran here. 

If I hadn't met you I would surely be dead by now.  I had intended to kill you, but instead you saved my life!  I am ashamed and grateful beyond words.  If I live, I vow to be your servant for the rest of my life.  Please grant me your forgiveness.'

The emperor not only forgave him, he returned his seized property, has his physician care for him and his attendants to return him to his home after he completely healed.

Before returning to the palace, the emperor decided to once more ask the hermit his three questions.  The hermit looked at the  emperor and said, 'But your questions have already been answered'

'How's that?' the emperor asked, puzzled.

'Yesterday, if you had not taken pity on my age and given me a hand with digging these beds, you would have been attacked by that man on your way home.  Then you would have regretted not staying with me. 
Therefore, the most important time was the time you were digging the beds.
The most important person was myself,  and the most important pursuit was to help me.

Later, when the wounded man ran up here, the most important time was the time you spent dressing his wound, for if you had not cared for him he would have died and you would have lost the chance to be reconciled with him.  Likewise, he was the most important person, and the most important pursuit was taking care of his wound.

Remember, there is only ONE important time, and that is NOW.

The most important person is always the person with whom you are, who is right before you, for who knows if you will have dealings with any other person in the future.

The most important pursuit is making that person, the one standing at your side, happy, for that alone is the pursuit of life.'

~~~Leo Tolstoy ~~~