Story on learning and wisdom is a parable by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
A learned Brahmin once went to a wise king and said: “Hear,
O King! I am well versed in the Holy Scriptures and I will to teach you the
Sacred Bhagavatam (Srimad Bhagavad Purana).
The king, who was wiser of the two, knew that a man who had
really studied the Bhagavatam would seek more to know his true Self than to
gain honor and wealth in a king’s court.
The king replied, “I see that you have not mastered the scripture
well. I promise you to make you my teacher, but first go and learn the Scripture
well.”
The Brahmin went away thinking that the king was foolish to
think that I have not mastered the scripture when I have been reading it repeatedly
for several years.
The Brahmin read the scripture once again and went to the
king.
The king was not satisfied and asked the Brahmin to read the
scripture again.
The Brahmin was angry but he thought there must be some hidden
meaning in the behavior of the king.
He went home and started reading the scripture more
carefully.
Little by little, the hidden meaning of the verses began to
unfold before his mind, and he soon realized the foolishness of running after
riches and fame, kings and courts, power and fame. Light appeared through his
clouded vision.
He started studying the scriptures more carefully and went
about doing his daily work.
He never bothered to return to the King.
After few years, the king remembered about the Brahmin and
reached his house to find out why he had not come back.
The king did not see the Brahmin who came to his court. The
Brahmin had changed – he was glowing with divine light and love.
The king fell upon his knees and said to the Brahmin – I now
see that you have understood the true meaning of the scripture. I am ready to
be your disciple if you will accept me.