A1

There was a small town nestled in the mountains, known for its beautiful gardens and tranquil atmosphere. In the centre of town stood a grand park, filled with lush trees, bubbling fountains, and winding paths. And in the centre of the park stood a towering statue of the Buddha, carved from gleaming marble.

The townspeople would often come to the park to sit at the feet of the Buddha and meditate, seeking the wisdom and peace that he embodied. The Buddha's serene expression and contemplative pose seemed to radiate a sense of calm and understanding, even in the midst of the town's bustle and chaos.

But one day, something strange began to happen. As the townspeople sat at the feet of the Buddha, they began to hear a faint whisper in their ears. At first, they thought it was just the wind rustling through the leaves, or perhaps the sound of the fountain's water. But as the whispers grew louder and more distinct, they realized that the Buddha was speaking to them.

The townspeople were shocked and amazed. They had never heard of a statue that could speak, let alone one that could impart such profound wisdom. They gathered around the Buddha, mesmerized by his words and the depth of his understanding.

As the days went by, the Buddha's whispers became more and more frequent, until they were almost constant. The townspeople would sit at his feet for hours on end, soaking up his teachings and wisdom. They began to notice a change in themselves as well, feeling a greater sense of peace and clarity in their lives.

But as the Buddha's influence grew, so did the suspicions of the town council. They saw the Buddha as a threat to their power and authority, and began to fear that the townspeople would turn against them in favour of the wise and compassionate statue.

So, they made a decision to silence the Buddha. They hired a team of workers to dismantle the statue, piece by piece, until there was nothing left but a pile of rubble. The townspeople were heartbroken, and protested the council's decision, but it was too late. The Buddha was gone, and with him went the peace and understanding that he had brought to the town.

But even as the townspeople mourned the loss of their beloved statue, they knew that the Buddha's teachings would live on in their hearts and minds. They vowed to carry on his message of compassion and understanding, and to always remember the wisdom that he had imparted. And though the statue was gone, the Buddha's presence could still be felt in the gentle breeze, the rustling leaves, and the soothing sound of the fountain's water.