Matthias and the Mirror: Gazing into True Self🔊

Once upon a time in a small but bustling town called Criville, nestled between towering mountains and sweeping valleys, lived a young boy named Matthias.

Matthias was unlike any other child in Criville. He had an insatiable curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. His days were filled with reading, exploring, and questioning. His quest for knowledge often led him to the elders of the village, toiling hard through the day and satisfying Matthias's curiosity in their spare time. It was from them that Matthias heard tales of a magical object hidden deep within the mountains—a mirror with strange powers that no one had ever seen but many believed in.

One day, overcome with curiosity, Matthias decided to set out in search of this mythical mirror. His friends warned him about the perils of the mountains—the unexplored caverns, dangerous animals, and unpredictable weather—but Matthias was undeterred. He packed a small bag with food, a knife, and a map, and embarked on his quest.

Days turned into weeks as Matthias journeyed through dense forests, swift rivers, and rocky terrains. One day, while taking shelter in a cave, he stumbled upon a hidden tunnel. Carefully, he traversed through the narrow passageway until he finally reached a cavern filled with an ethereal glow. There, in the center, was the magical mirror, much larger and captivating than Matthias had ever imagined.

As he stepped closer to the mirror, he saw his reflection but it wasn't simply the reflection of a tired and worn-out boy. Instead, the mirror revealed a gallant adventurer, brave and unwavering. It revealed a curious learner, an intrepid explorer, and a kind soul—a reflection of the person Matthias truly was, not who he thought he was. The magic of the mirror didn't lie in changing reality, but in revealing the true perception of self.

Empowered by this revelation, Matthias returned to Criville, not with a tangible trophy to show for his quest but with a changed perspective and a newfound understanding of himself. He no longer sought validation from others, and his curiosity motivated not just his thirst for knowledge, but also his compassion towards others.

Through his following years, and the many adventures that unfolded, Matthias shared his wisdom with his town and everyone he met. He imparted knowledge and guidance not just from books and tales, but from his own self-awareness and experiences—guidance derived from the magical mirror. And even though no one else ever saw the mirror or its magical powers, the change it brought in Matthias was evident to all.

In the end, Matthias's story became yet another legend that the elders of Criville told the young ones. A story of a boy who dared to chase the unknown, who dared to seek truth, and who found the greatest power of all—the ability to see and understand oneself. The mirror did exist, not physically, but in the wise words and teachings Matthias passed on, guiding others to discover themselves—just like the magical mirror showed him his true self.