Chapter 1

Three Questions



Three Questions

1. Why did the king want to know answers to three questions? 

Ans: The king wanted to know the answers to the three questions because he believed that if he always knew:

  1. The right time to begin something,

  2. Which people to listen to, and

  3. What the most important thing to do was,

he would never fail in anything he undertook.

In other words, he thought having the right knowledge about time, people, and priorities would make him a perfect ruler.



Working with the Text
Answer the following questions.
1. Why was the king advised to go to magicians?

 Ans: The king was advised to go to magicians because some people believed that to know the right time for every action, one would need to look into the future, and only magicians could do that.

2. In answer to the second question, whose advice did the people say would be important to the king?

 Ans: People gave different answers:

  • Some said the king should listen to his councillors.

  • Others said priests.

  • A few said doctors.

  • Some believed soldiers were the most important to advise the king.


3. What suggestions were made in answer to the third question?

 Ans: People suggested:

  • The most important thing was science.

  • Others said fighting.

  • Some said religious worship was most important


4. Did the wise men win the reward? If not, why not?
 Ans: No, the wise men did not win the reward because all their answers were different and none satisfied the king. He was not convinced that any of them had the right answers to his questions.


5. How did the king and the hermit help the wounded man?
Ans:
  • The king and the hermit removed the man’s clothing and found a large wound.

  • The king washed and dressed the wound several times until the bleeding stopped.

  • Then they carried him into the hut and laid him on a bed.

  • The king also gave him water and stayed with him through the night.


6. (1) Who was the bearded man?
Ans :He was the king’s enemy, who had sworn revenge because the king had killed his brother and taken his property.

(ii) Why did he ask for the king's forgiveness?
Because the king, whom he planned to kill, had saved his life instead by caring for his wounds. He felt ashamed and grateful, and wanted to make peace.


7. The king forgave the bearded man. What did he do to show his forgiveness?

  • The king said he would send his servants and doctor to look after the man.

  • He also promised to return his property.

  • He forgave him completely and accepted him as a friend.

8. What were the hermit's answers to the three questions? Write each answer separately. Which answer do you like most, and why?

✦ The hermit's answers:

  1. What is the right time to begin something?
    → The most important time is now, because it is the only time we have control over.

  2. Which people should the king listen to?
    → The most important person is the one you are with at the moment.

  3. What is the most important thing to do?
    → The most important thing is to do good to the person you are with.

🔟 Additional Questions with Answers:

  1. Why did the king decide to dress like a common man before meeting the hermit?
    Answer: The king dressed like a common man because the hermit only met simple people, and the king didn’t want his identity to affect the hermit’s behavior.

  1. What did the hermit do when the king asked him the three questions?
    Answer: The hermit did not answer directly. Instead, he continued digging the ground silently and let the king help him with the work.

  1. How did the king show kindness and humility during his visit to the hermit?
    Answer: The king showed humility by wearing simple clothes, working in the garden, helping the hermit dig, and caring for the wounded man himself.

  1. What might have happened if the king had not helped the hermit with his work?
    Answer: If the king had not stayed to help the hermit, he would have left and been attacked by the bearded man, possibly leading to his death.

  1. What does the story teach us about enemies and forgiveness?
    Answer: The story teaches that acts of kindness can turn enemies into friends, and that forgiveness leads to peace and loyalty.

  1. How does the king’s experience with the wounded man change his perspective?
    Answer: The king realizes the value of compassion, the power of the present moment, and that helping others is the most important duty.

  1. What lesson does the king learn about the importance of living in the present?
    Answer: He learns that the present moment is the only time we can act, and therefore, it is the most important time.

  1. Why do you think the hermit chose to answer the king’s questions through actions instead of words?
    Answer: The hermit believed that real wisdom comes from experience and actions, not just spoken advice. He wanted the king to learn through doing.

  1. Do you think the king became a better ruler after this experience? Why or why not?
    Answer: Yes, because he learned to focus on the present, value people, and prioritize doing good over power or pride.

  1. What moral or message does the story convey about leadership and wisdom?
    Answer: True leadership and wisdom come from compassion, mindfulness, and serving others with kindness in the present moment.