In a bygone era, a destitute farmer struggled with poverty in a village. His neighbors and relatives were prosperous, and jealousy brewed within him, causing a rift in his relationships. His small farm, where he cultivated vegetables for sustenance, brought little solace.
As the farmer aged, the toil on his farm became increasingly challenging, especially without a bull to plow the fields. One day, on his weary journey home, he encountered an old man who sensed his despondency and inquired about his troubles.
Pouring out his heart, the farmer lamented, "What should I say? I have no money, while everyone around me seems to have everything. Working in the fields is becoming unbearable. If only I had a bull, I could manage plowing, sowing, and irrigating the fields."
The compassionate old man, having a bull in his possession, decided to give it to the farmer. He said, "Take this bull home with you. However, once you reach home, send your neighbor to me."
Overjoyed by the unexpected gift, the farmer curiously asked, "Why do you want to meet my neighbor?"
The old man responded, "So that I can give him two bulls." This statement triggered a surge of jealousy within the farmer. In a fit of envy, he exclaimed, "But my neighbor already has everything! If you're giving him two bulls, then I don't want even one."
In response, the old man, retracting the gift, astutely remarked, "Do you know what your real problem is? It's not poverty; it's jealousy. Your discontent stems from comparing yourself to others. If you had found contentment in what you have, you would have been the happiest person. Your jealousy overshadows the blessings you possess."
With these words, the old man vanished into the forest, leaving the farmer to reflect on his actions. Realizing the destructive nature of jealousy, the farmer vowed never to harbor such feelings again and committed to cultivating goodwill and contentment in his heart.