Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a curious disciple eager to unravel the mysteries of happiness. He approached his revered Guru with a burning question, "How do I rid myself of sorrow?"
The Guru, with his serene countenance, nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, a question that echoes the longing of many souls. But before I impart wisdom, there is a task you must undertake."
Intrigued, the disciple listened intently as the Guru continued, "Find me the shoes worn by the happiest person."
Undeterred by the challenge, the disciple embarked on his quest. He ventured into the village, approaching one household after another, seeking the elusive footwear of joy.
At the first door, a man bemoaned his troublesome neighbor, shattering the disciple's initial hopes. The next encounter revealed a husband worn down by marital strife, followed by a woman lamenting her cruel spouse.
Undaunted by the prevailing despair, the disciple persisted, traversing streets and alleys, his determination unyielding. Yet, with each doorstep, he encountered tales of woe and anguish, until weariness weighed heavy upon his soul.
Upon his return, disheartened but wiser, the disciple confessed his futile pursuit to the Guru. Expecting rebuke, he instead found solace in the Guru's gentle gaze.
"Why do you think these people are unhappy?" the Guru inquired softly.
Reflecting on his encounters, the disciple realized the common thread of external blame and strife that plagued each individual's narrative.
"Indeed," nodded the Guru, "the key to liberation from sorrow lies not in the woes of others, but within oneself. Look inward, my child, for therein lies the path to true contentment."
Enlightenment dawned upon the disciple as he grasped the Guru's profound wisdom. "But why, Guruji," he ventured, "did you not reveal this truth from the onset?"
With a serene smile, the Guru replied, "My dear disciple, some truths must be discovered through one's own journey. Only then can they be truly understood and embraced."
And so, armed with newfound insight, the disciple embarked on a different quest – the pursuit of self-awareness and inner peace, guided by the timeless wisdom of his Guru.