The Legend of the Golden Chess
In the high mountains of Tibet, nestled within its countless valleys and rivers, lies a small village known as ‘Phaptang.’ It is an unusual society, not just because of its quaint charm and centuries-old traditions but especially for its profound love and respect for the game of chess. Village folk, from children to elders, have mastery in chess that remained unchallenged for generations.
The heart of this tradition was an ancient golden chessboard, whose texture was as soft as silk and as bright as the sun. The chess pieces sparkle like stars, which were placed in alignment with the celestial bodies. However, it wasn't just the extravagant look of the set drawing attention, but the legend associated with it. It was believed the golden chessboard held an ancient wisdom.
The tale associated with the golden chess is a story of King Jigme and an old sage. King Jigme was an exceptionally skilled chess player; his brilliance and cunning strategies were renowned throughout the kingdom. One day, an old sage visited King Jigme. With a face covered in wrinkles and eyes filled with a mysterious wisdom, the sage challenged the King to a game of chess.
The match began and their game was so engrossing that it lasted for days. King Jigme, utilising his best strategies, was at the height of his game. However, the sage was unfathomable, matching every move and every tactic with surreal ease. After several intense days, the sage won the game. King Jigme, amazed and humbled, asked the sage about his exceptional talent. The sage smiled and said, 'I don't play to win or lose. I play to understand the cycle of life - Birth, Growth, Perish and Rebirth. Each piece signifies a stage of life, and the board is but a miniature universe.' He then handed over the golden chess set to King Jigme, wishing it would bring wisdom for all.
From then on, the village started a grand annual tradition. They'd conduct a chess tournament where the final game was played on this golden chessboard, aiming to develop not only skill but also wisdom. The tournament was also a means of connecting the community together, strengthening their bonds with every game played. This tradition was carried on for generations, eventually rendering the chess masters of Phaptang.
In recent times, an arrogant prodigy, Tharchen, claimed he could defeat any player in Phaptang. The village elder, opposed to his arrogance, challenged him to play the golden chess. Tharchen, extremely confident, agreed.
Their game was a marvel, an amalgamation of swift strategies and calculated risks. However, as a shocking turn of events, Tharchen lost the game. Ashamed, he stayed back to understand his opponent's moves and strategies. He realised that playing chess is not only about winning or losing but understanding how his moves affect the surroundings.
Years later, Tharchen returned to Phaptang as a changed person. He had realised the value of wisdom, humility, patience, and togetherness - values he learned through his struggles and understanding of the golden chess. Phaptang warmly welcomed him back. With the profound wisdom he'd gained, he helped flourish the grand tradition of Phaptang's chess tournament and even attempted to create game strategies dependent on the entire village's cooperation and involvement. Chess was no longer a game for two in Phaptang but a game for all, symbolising unity, wisdom, and love for each other.