The sage Kapila had an ashrama on the banks of the river Ikshumati. One day, the King of Soubira wanted to go there on a palanaquin to learn words of wisdom from the sage. The servant of the king looked for palanquin-bearers who would carry the palanquin free of charge and found Bharata. So Bharata bore the palanquin along with the other bearers. But he walked slowly while the other bearers walked fast. The result was that the palanquin did not move smoothly. When scolded, the other bearers naturally blamed Bharata for this difficulty.

“What is wrong”? asked the king of Bharata, “Haven’t you borne the palanquin only for a little while? How is it that you are tired? Can’t you bear a little burden? You look quite strong to me.”

Bharata replied, “I have not borne your palanquin, nor am I tired or strong, nor am I bearing a burden.”

“This is indeed strange,” said the king. “I can see that you are strong. I can see that you are carrying my palanquin on your shoulders. It is normal for you to be a little tired. Why then do you deny all this?”