Once upon a time, a curious man sought the wisdom of a renowned Mahatma, eager to unravel the elusive secret of happiness. With sincerity in his voice, he asked, "How can I be happy?"
The Mahatma, with a serene smile, beckoned the man to accompany him on a journey into the depths of the forest. Intrigued, the man agreed, and together they ventured into the lush greenery.
As they traversed through the woodland, the Mahatma gestured towards a lone stone resting on the forest floor. "Pick up that stone," he instructed the man.
Obeying the sage's command, the man lifted the stone, its weight pressing against his palm. They resumed their journey, the man clutching the stone tightly in his hand.
After a while, the strain of carrying the stone began to take its toll, and the man winced in discomfort. Sensing his discomfort, the Mahatma gently suggested, "You can put down the stone, my friend."
With a sigh of relief, the man released his grip, allowing the stone to fall to the ground. Instantly, a wave of comfort washed over him, and a newfound lightness filled his being.
"How do you feel now?" inquired the Mahatma, his eyes twinkling with wisdom.
A smile graced the man's lips as he replied, "I am happy. Without the burden of the stone, my hand no longer aches, and I feel lighter."
The Mahatma nodded knowingly, his gaze fixed on the man. "This, my dear friend, is the essence of happiness," he declared.
Perplexed, the man sought clarity. "But I don't understand," he confessed.
With a gentle chuckle, the Mahatma offered his insight. "Life presents us with many burdens, like the stones we carry. To find true happiness, we must learn to identify and release those burdens that weigh us down."
And in that moment, enlightenment dawned upon the man. The secret to happiness lay not in acquiring more, but in letting go of that which no longer served him.
Armed with this profound wisdom, the man embarked on his journey with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to cast aside the stones that hindered his path to happiness.