An Emperor’s Taste…

Likes and dislikes are but fancies of the moment; the mind wavers, flits from one thing to another. One has to realise this and be steady, adhering to the good and avoiding the injurious, says Bhagawan narrating a beautiful story from the life of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

The Emperor of Delhi, the famous Akbar, was melancholy and depress­ed. His Empire was prosperous and safe from enemies, both internal and external. The cause of his sad­ness lay elsewhere. It was the food he ate every day. Of course he had himself shown the preference; the cooks, or Birbal, the Superinten­dent of the Imperial Kitchen, were not to blame. Nevertheless, he had developed a disgust for meat, for, it was meat, meat, meat—morning noon, evening and night.

So, he called into the Presence, Birbal and commanded that the menu be soon changed. And, the com­mand was obeyed. Birbal racked his brains for a long while and de­cided on brinjals for a change. He procured baskets of brinjals, fresh and fine.

He got prepared chutney salad, soup, cutlet, sweet, savoury bitter—all from brinjal. Akbar relish­ed every item; he praised Birbal to the skies. It was brinjal breakfast, brinjal lunch, brinjal dinner. Thus it went on merrily for a few days— but, for a few days only!

Akbar grew disgusted with brin­jals, too. He poured all his wrath on Birbal. And, Birbal had to switch on to something else. For, likes and dislikes are but fancies of the moment; the mind wavers, flits from one thing to another. One has to realise this and be steady, adhering to the good and avoiding the injurious. Establish Mastery over the Mind; or, the Mind will ride you into, ruin. The Mind is a bundle of Desires. Give up Desire; the mind disappears.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

The Royal Simplicity Behind An Emperors Taste

In the divine life and teachings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, many incidents reveal profound spiritual lessons through simple everyday experiences. One such inspiring theme is An Emperor’s Taste, which beautifully illustrates the difference between worldly luxury and inner contentment. While emperors are often associated with grandeur, wealth, and extravagant pleasures, Bhagavan demonstrated that true richness lies in purity of heart, selflessness, and gratitude.

The lesson behind An Emperor’s Taste is not about expensive food or royal comforts. Instead, it reflects the spiritual understanding that a person who is content with what God provides experiences a joy greater than that of any earthly ruler. Bhagavan frequently emphasized that happiness does not come from possessing more but from desiring less. A simple meal offered with love and devotion carries far greater value than a lavish feast prepared with pride or selfish motives.

Many devotees observed that Bhagavan accepted offerings not because of their material worth but because of the sincerity behind them. Whether it was a humble fruit, a small sweet, or a simple home-cooked dish, He looked only at the devotion with which it was presented. Through such examples, An Emperor’s Taste teaches that divine appreciation is measured by love rather than luxury.

In spiritual life, people often chase pleasures believing that greater comfort will bring lasting satisfaction. However, the joy obtained from external objects is temporary. Bhagavan taught that permanent happiness comes from within. When the heart is filled with faith, compassion, and devotion, even the simplest experiences become sources of immense bliss. This inner fulfillment is the true meaning hidden within An Emperor’s Taste.

Another important message is the cultivation of gratitude. Every meal we receive, every blessing we enjoy, and every opportunity to serve others are gifts from the Divine. When we develop an attitude of thankfulness, ordinary things begin to feel extraordinary. A person who appreciates life’s simple blessings experiences a richness that no kingdom can provide.

The teachings of Bhagavan also remind us to share what we have with others. Food becomes sacred when it is offered with love and distributed with kindness. Serving the hungry, caring for the needy, and treating every individual with respect are expressions of divine love. Such actions transform daily living into spiritual practice and bring us closer to God.

The wisdom found in An Emperor’s Taste encourages devotees to look beyond appearances and discover the treasure of contentment. A peaceful mind, a loving heart, and unwavering faith are far more valuable than material possessions. Those who cultivate these qualities become truly wealthy in the eyes of the Divine.

For devotees seeking inspiration through the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, such lessons continue to illuminate the path of righteousness and devotion. The message remains timeless: true greatness is not measured by what one owns but by the love one shares. Through reflections like these, Devotional India continues to celebrate the spiritual values that uplift humanity. May the wisdom of Bhagavan inspire every seeker to discover the joy of simplicity and the abundance of divine grace. Devotional India cherishes these eternal teachings that guide countless hearts toward peace and fulfillment.