A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart

Once upon a time in a distant land, there was a person who found themselves on a new adventure. They had decided to leave their old town behind and move to a new village, hoping to find a place where they would be happy. Curious about what their future held, they sought the guidance of a wise zen master who was known for his profound insights.

Approaching the zen master with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, the newcomer asked, "Do you think I will like it in this village? Are the people there kind and welcoming?"

The zen master, sitting calmly with a serene expression, paused for a moment before responding. Instead of giving a direct answer, he posed a question of his own, "Tell me, how were the people in the town you came from? What were they like?"

The newcomer sighed and replied, "Well, the people in my old town were not very pleasant. They seemed to care only about themselves, always chasing after money and trying to outdo one another. They were often angry, and there was a lot of dishonesty and stealing."

The zen master nodded thoughtfully and then said something unexpected, "It's interesting that you mention those qualities. You see, those are exactly the same traits you will find in the people of this village."

Perplexed and somewhat disheartened, the newcomer couldn't believe what they were hearing. Was the zen master implying that this new village would be just as unpleasant as the one they had left behind?

Feeling a bit discouraged, the newcomer left the zen master's presence and went about their day, wondering if they had made the right decision to move.

The following day, another newcomer arrived in the village, seeking guidance from the zen master. Like the first newcomer, they too had questions about the village and its people.

"Will I find happiness and good people in this village?" the second newcomer inquired, eager to gain some insight.

The zen master, with his gentle demeanor, asked a similar question as before, "Before you came here, tell me, how were the people in the town you used to live in?"

The second newcomer smiled warmly as they reminisced, "Oh, the people in my old town were wonderful! They cared deeply for one another and the environment. They were always ready to lend a helping hand, and there was a sense of unity and respect among them. They were seekers of knowledge and had a strong spiritual connection."

Listening attentively, the zen master's eyes twinkled with a knowing look. He then spoke words that were surprisingly similar to what he had told the first newcomer, "You'll be pleased to know that the people in this village possess the very same qualities."

This time, the second newcomer left the zen master's presence with a renewed sense of hope and excitement. As they mingled with the villagers, they noticed the kindness and compassion that seemed to radiate from every corner. The villagers welcomed them with open arms, just as they had hoped.

Over time, both newcomers settled into the village, and their experiences mirrored the expectations they had carried within them. The first newcomer, focusing on the negative traits they had observed in people, found themselves encountering similar attitudes and behaviors in the villagers. On the other hand, the second newcomer, who had approached the village with a positive outlook, was met with warmth and positivity in return.

The zen master's wisdom had played out in their lives, teaching them a valuable lesson about perception and intention. The story of these two newcomers became a fable that the villagers passed down through generations, a reminder that the way we view the world and the energy we project can shape the reality we experience.

And so, the tale of the two newcomers and the wise zen master continues to inspire, encouraging all who hear it to approach life with an open heart, to see the good in others, and to remember that the world often reflects back the energy we bring into it.

It reminds us that the way we perceive the world and the attitude we carry within ourselves can shape the experiences we have. Seeing the positive and being kind can lead to a more positive and loving interaction with the world around us.