Once upon a time, in a small village nestled at the foot of a magnificent mountain range, lived a skilled stonecutter named Taro. Every day, Taro would rise with the sun and make his way to the nearby quarry to carefully select and harvest the most suitable blocks of stone for his work. The locals revered him for his extraordinary ability to transform rough pieces of rock into exquisite statues that radiated life.
Despite his talent and the admiration of the villagers, Taro was a deeply dissatisfied man. His heart was heavy with envy as he gazed up at the towering mountains that loomed above his modest home. To him, the mountains seemed to possess a grandeur and strength that he could never attain.
One day, while chipping away at a large chunk of granite, Taro finally succumbed to his frustrations. He threw down his chisel and cried out to the heavens, “If only I could be a mighty mountain! Then I would stand tall and proud, and everyone would look up to me!”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the mountain spirit heard Taro’s plea and decided to grant his wish. When Taro woke the next morning, he found himself transformed into a magnificent mountain peak, his form reaching high into the clouds. He was now a symbol of strength and beauty for all to behold.
For a time, Taro reveled in his newfound glory. Yet, it wasn’t long before he noticed the fierce winds that battered his face and the relentless rain and snow that eroded his once-perfect slopes. He realized, too late, the harsh reality of life as a mountain, exposed to the elements and powerless against the forces of nature. “I cannot bear this torment,” he lamented. “I wish to be something else – something free from these struggles.”
As the words left him, the mountain spirit granted Taro’s second wish. He became a mighty river that flowed gracefully through the landscape, carving a deep channel through the very stone from which he had once been formed. As the river, Taro initially felt a surge of relief. The constant motion made him feel unstoppable, and he found joy in nourishing the fields of nearby villages and providing sustenance for countless creatures.
Still, the river’s tranquility did not last. Taro found himself racing against his own currents to escape the debris and pollution that marred his once-crystal waters. He longed for a peaceful existence, one that would allow him to escape the chaos he had encountered in both the mountain and the river. “I just want to be something that can move on its own, free from the burdens of the world,” he pleaded.
The mountain spirit heard Taro’s third request and granted it. This time, he became a wild horse galloping across the plains, the wind whipping through his mane as he tasted true freedom for the first time. The sensation was thrilling – until he realized the dangers of life as a prey animal. He faced constant threats from predators and feared the humans who sought to capture him.
Now desperate to return to his former life, Taro cried out to the mountain spirit, “I’ve been a fool! I see now that every form has its struggles. Please, return me to my human body. I promise to cherish the life I have been given and to never again wish for what I cannot have.”
Moved by Taro’s newfound gratitude and humility, the mountain spirit granted his final wish. The stonecutter opened his eyes to find himself back in his simple bed, the first rays of sunlight streaming through his window. Overwhelmed with relief, he vowed to embrace the challenges and joys of his life as a humble craftsman, focusing on the unique gifts he possessed rather than envying what lay beyond his reach.
From that day forward, Taro approached his work with renewed passion and vigor. The wisdom he had gained from his transformative journey infused his art with a depth and sensitivity that captivated all who saw it. As the villagers marveled at his stunning creations, they, too, began to see the beauty and value in their own lives, learning from Taro’s example that the path to true contentment lies not in seeking what we lack, but in appreciating the blessings we already possess.
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