The emperor Akbar was very fond of music, and his famous court musician Tansen used to entertain him with his songs. One day Akbar asked him whether there was anyone in the world who could sing better than he.
Tansen immediately replied that his teacher was incomparably a better singer than he was. Akbar expressed a desire to see Tansen's teacher who lived a simple life in a hut at Brindaban. Akbar forthwith made arrangements to go there & reached Brindaban with Tansen.
Tansen introduced the emperor to his master & told him the object of his visit. He was then asked to sing a few songs, which he did to the great delight of the emperor. Akbar found that the singing of the master was incomparably superior to Tansen's. He complimented him on his superb music & returned to his capital city. On his way, he asked Tansen how it is possible for an old man, who lived a life of austerity in a hut bereft of all comforts, to sing so divinely. Tansen replied,"Sir, I sing for you, an earthly emperor; while my master sings for the Lord of the universe, and that is why his singing is so superior to mine."
