The Divine Musician

Tansen was a great musician in the court of Emperor Akbar. One day, charmed by his music, Akbar said, "There is none who can equal you in music."

Tansen replied, "No, my lord, there is one person."

Akbar got curious. Tansen explained, "He is no ordinary person. His name is Haridas and he is a saint. He lives in Vrindavan and he is my guru." 

... 

Akbar wanted to invite Saint Haridas to the court to listen to his singing. Tansen replied, "He will not stir out of Vrindavan. Many have tried to persuade him but failed."

Akbar asked, "Can I hear his music? Can you take me there?" 

Tansen replied, "If you are willing to come disguised as my disciple, I can take you there and I will try to make him sing."

Akbar immediately agreed.

So, a disguised Akbar and Tansen left for Vrindavan. On reaching the place of the saint, both of them paid their respects to the saint. The saint did not sing at all. 

In the evening, Tansen started singing. While singing, he deliberately made a mistake. Immediately the saint corrected him and to explain the correction started singing. Akbar and Tansen sat spellbound listening to him. It was the most divine music that Akbar had ever heard. 

After some time, the saint was absorbed in meditation and fell unconscious. 

Akbar said, "You should be blessed to have such a teacher. How does he sing so well?"

Tansen replied, "He does not sing for mere mortals like us. He sings for God. That is why his music is so good."