In the heart of a bustling city, there dwelled a man of considerable wealth, yet his insatiable greed knew no bounds. Hearing of a saint's arrival, he wasted no time in extending an invitation, hoping to glean some divine secret to further enrich his coffers.
Impressed by the man's hospitality, the saint bestowed upon him four lamps, each holding the promise of untold riches. With solemn instructions, the saint outlined the method to unlock these treasures, cautioning against the use of the final lamp and its corresponding direction.
But blinded by his own avarice, the man disregarded the saint's warning, convinced that even greater wealth lay hidden beyond the forbidden lamp. Ignoring the saint's wisdom, he ventured northward, his mind consumed by thoughts of endless riches.
To his delight, the lamp guided him to a magnificent palace, brimming with treasures beyond his wildest dreams. Yet, amidst the glittering jewels and shimmering gold, he encountered an old man toiling endlessly at a mill.
Driven by curiosity and greed, the man inquired about the old man's presence. In exchange for running the mill, the old man revealed the grim truth: the palace and his fate were forever entwined, bound by the ceaseless turning of the mill.
Realization dawned upon the man, as he understood the true cost of his greed. Forever cursed to labor in pursuit of wealth, he lamented his folly, knowing that only another blinded by the same greed could release him from his eternal torment.
Thus, the once-wealthy man became a cautionary tale, a prisoner of his own desires, forever ensnared by the consequences of his insatiable greed.
Moral: Greed, when left unchecked, can lead to eternal suffering and captivity.