The Four Pots!

Once upon a time, in the land of Silbaripuram, a Guruji lived in an ashram with his four disciples. Over the years, it was common for the local King and landlords to offer various gifts to the Guru. Among these gifts sat four distinct pots: one gold-plated, one silver, one copper, and one made of clay.

One day, while the four disciples were cleaning the room, they began discussing the pots. What started as a simple conversation quickly turned into a heated argument, with each disciple boasting about which pot was superior.

Hearing the commotion, the Guru entered the room and said, "Today, I want the four of you to go to the distant lake and bring back water in these four pots. You may choose whichever pot you like."

As soon as the Guru left, a scuffle broke out over the gold-plated pot. The strongest disciple intimidated the others and grabbed it for himself. The second disciple fought for and secured the silver pot, while the third took the copper one. The fourth disciple, left with no choice, sadly picked up the clay pot and began the long walk.

On the way, the two disciples carrying the gold and silver pots walked with great pride and ego. However, their arrogance was short-lived. A group of dacoits hiding along the path pounced on them, snatched the gold and silver pots, and fled. Seeing no value in the other two containers, they let the remaining disciples pass.

Heartbroken and empty-handed, the first two ran back to the ashram. Meanwhile, the other two reached the lake, filled their pots, and returned safely.

The Guru called all four of them and said, "Now, taste the water from these two pots."

After tasting, they remarked that the water in the copper pot had a metallic, bitter aftertaste. However, they noted, "The water in the clay pot is incredibly sweet, refreshing, and cool!"

The Guru smiled and advised:

> "Everything that is expensive is not necessarily valuable. Sometimes, the simplest things hold the greatest worth. Therefore, never fight or lose your way chasing after outward grandeur."