In the twilight of his life, a father imparted a profound lesson to his son—a lesson that would shape the young man's understanding of the world forevermore.
As the father lay on his deathbed, he beckoned his son close and spoke with solemnity in his voice. "My son," he began, "I have dedicated my life to educating others, but now, in my final moments, I must share with you a crucial insight."
Listening intently, the son awaited his father's wisdom, prepared to absorb every word.
But before the father could proceed, he made an unusual request of his son—bring him a piece of coal and a piece of sandalwood.
Perplexed yet obedient, the son ventured forth to fulfill his father's request. He retrieved a hefty chunk of coal from the kitchen and plucked a small piece of fragrant sandalwood from the garden.
Returning to his father's side, the son presented both items, curiosity piqued by his father's peculiar instruction.
Without hesitation, the father instructed his son to release both objects from his grasp, right then and there. As the coal and sandalwood fell to the ground, the father's gaze shifted to his son's hands.
Examining them closely, he pointed to the hand that had held the coal, now stained with dark residue. "You see, my son," the father began, "the company of wrong people leaves a mark—an indelible stain that tarnishes your reputation and lingers long after they are gone."
Turning his attention to the other hand, he noted the absence of any blemish. "Conversely," he continued, "the company of good people is like this sandalwood—imbuing you with knowledge and leaving behind a lingering fragrance of their wisdom and virtue."
In this simple yet profound analogy, the father conveyed a timeless truth—the importance of surrounding oneself with virtuous companions, whose influence enriches the soul and leaves an enduring imprint of goodness.
As the son absorbed his father's words, he resolved to heed this invaluable lesson, forging a path guided by the company of the noble and the righteous—a path illuminated by the fragrance of sandalwood and free from the stain of coal.