Page 37 - Śrī Pañcatantra - Eng

Mitra-bheda (Confict among Friends) 9

That king who fails to see the difference between glass and
diamonds deserves no loyal service. How can anyone with
intelligence remain even for a moment in that place where
men cannot tell the difference between what is right and what
is wrong? (1.12)
Commentary: [When he was being blessed by the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, Dhruva Mahārāja said:] “O my Lord,
because I was seeking an opulent material position, I was
performing severe types of penance and austerity. Now I have
gotten You, who are very difficult for the great demigods, saintly
persons and kings to attain. I was searching after a piece of glass,
but instead I have found a most valuable jewel. Therefore I am
so satisfied that I do not wish to ask any benediction from You.”
(Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya 7.28, quoted in Cc 2.22.42)

On the other hand, the deserving servant is the one who
remains humble even when he is honored. Such a worthy
servant does not grimace even when he is insulted and knows
how to remain aloof from both praise and condemnation.
(1.13)

Commentary: “The sincere disciple of the pure devotee
considers the spiritual master equal to the Lord, but always
considers himself to be a humble servant of the servant of the
Lord (Cc 2.13.80). This is the pure devotional path.” (SB 1.1.15,
purport)

Kings and servants mutually depend upon one another;
there is no master without a servant and no servant without
a master. When the king is pleased he rewards his servants
with abundant gold. And thus honored the servants willingly
sacrifice their works on his behalf. (1.14)
Damanaka continued, “It does not befit you to consider us inferior
simply because we have been born as jackals, because ...