The Sage of Asoka🔊

Once upon a time, in a small village of Asoka, there lived an old sage named Gurudev. He was venerated deeply by the villagers for his wisdom and the incredible stories he would tell. Everyone loved visiting him to seek advice and guidance. However, he had one unique habit; he would ask people to plant a tree in exchange for his help. An arid land in the past; Asoka had turned into a lush green village over the years because of this practice.

One day, a young man named Rajan moved to Asoka. He had heard tales of Gurudev’s wisdom and wanted his guidance to find his life’s purpose. With humility, he walked up to Gurudev and presented his request. In response, Gurudev handed him a sapling and said, 'Plant this, nurture it. And when it first bears fruit, bring it to me.'

Confused but respectful, Rajan did as told. He found a sunny spot, dug the soil and planted the sapling carefully. Over the next few months, he nurtured it like a child - watering it, removing weeds, and even speaking to it. He would visit every day, looking forward to seeing a small change, a new leaf maybe, or a stronger stem. The wait seemed long, but the sense of responsibility and anticipation got him there every day. Slowly, the sapling began to grow and sprouted leaves.

Then one day, the tree blossomed and bore a single fruit. Ecstatic, Rajan rushed to Gurudev with the ripe, red apple in his hands. The old sage, with a gleaming smile, accepted the apple. Observing Rajan's enthusiastic eyes, he asked, 'So, have you found your purpose?'

Rajan nodded and said, 'I sought purpose in grandeur but found it rooted in simplicity. Many-eyed I searched for my destiny in fame and success, but eventually found joy and fulfillment in caring for something so unassuming as a tree. I have found my path, Gurudev.'

Gurudev’s eyes shone with content. He touched the young man’s head in a fatherly manner and said, 'Remember, just as you nurtured this tree from a sapling to a fruit-bearing entity, you can nurture your dreams. They will require time, patience, and persistence. But in the end, you will bear the fruits of your efforts.'

Overwhelmed and thankful, Rajan left Gurudev’s quarters, his mind brimming with inspiration and directions for the future. He turned his attention to improving Asoka further. He taught children, involved himself in volunteer work and dedicated his life to nurturing his community just like he nurtured the tree.

Gurudev’s wisdom and the single sapling didn't only give Rajan his purpose but also helped Asoka become a better place. The tale of Rajan's transformation spread far and wide, inspiring many young people to come to Asoka, seeking Gurudev's advice, thus planting trees and filling their lives with a purpose.