Story on Selflessness: “Hanuman and the Woodcutter: A Lesson in Selflessness”
In a tranquil village nestled between emerald hills and murmuring streams, there lived a humble woodcutter named Ravi. Known for his hard work and simple life, Ravi spent his days harvesting timber from the lush forest to provide for his family.
One auspicious day, as the golden sun bathed the village in its warm glow, Ravi ventured deeper into the forest. His keen eyes spotted an ancient banyan tree, its branches laden with massive logs that promised to be a treasure trove of wood. Excitement surged through Ravi’s veins at the prospect of a bountiful harvest.
Little did Ravi know that this particular banyan tree was not an ordinary one. It was home to a celestial being who, in a rare act of divine grace, had chosen to manifest in the mortal world. Lord Hanuman, the mighty monkey god, had assumed a disguise as an ordinary hermit to observe the happenings of the village and test the virtues of its inhabitants.
As Ravi approached the banyan tree, his eyes widened with greed. The potential profits from the massive logs could elevate his family’s living standards, and visions of a prosperous future clouded his judgment. Unbeknownst to Ravi, Hanuman, disguised as a humble hermit, observed the woodcutter’s inner turmoil.
“Good sir, you seem troubled. What burdens your heart?” spoke Hanuman, his voice gentle like the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Startled, Ravi turned to find the hermit and hesitated before speaking, “Forgive me, revered one, but this ancient banyan tree holds the promise of wealth for my family. I intend to harvest its wood for a better life.”
Hanuman, his gaze penetrating Ravi’s soul, discerned the darkness in the woodcutter’s heart. In that moment, Hanuman decided to impart a lesson that would illuminate the path of righteousness for Ravi.
“Dear woodcutter, before you proceed, allow me to share a story,” began Hanuman, his eyes filled with divine wisdom. He spoke of a time when the kingdom of Ayodhya faced a similar test, and a man named Dasharatha, guided by selflessness, chose righteousness over personal gain.
The story resonated with Ravi, and a flicker of realization ignited in his eyes. Yet, the allure of wealth still lingered, and he hesitated.
Hanuman, with a compassionate smile, offered a proposition. “I understand your predicament, but I implore you to consider a different course. Instead of harvesting the entire tree, take only what you need for your family and leave the rest to thrive. The forest is a provider, and by showing restraint, you shall be blessed abundantly.”
Intrigued by the hermit’s words, Ravi pondered the choice before him. The struggle between greed and virtue waged within his heart. Eventually, a spark of goodness ignited, and he decided to heed Hanuman’s counsel.
“I shall follow your advice, revered one. I’ll take only what is necessary for my family, and the rest shall be left untouched,” Ravi declared, his heart lightened by the decision.
Hanuman, pleased by Ravi’s choice, revealed his true form, radiating divine brilliance. “You have chosen wisely, dear woodcutter. By embracing selflessness, you have earned the blessings of the divine.”
As Ravi commenced his work, he marveled at the transformation that unfolded before him. With each log he harvested with care, the banyan tree seemed to resonate with newfound vitality. Birds perched on its branches, their melodies echoing gratitude for the woodcutter’s benevolence.
The news of Ravi’s virtuous act spread through the village, reaching the ears of the elders. Impressed by his selflessness, they lauded Ravi’s decision, and his actions became a source of inspiration for the entire community.
As the years passed, Ravi’s family thrived not only economically but also spiritually. The banyan tree, now a symbol of the village’s collective virtue, flourished, providing shade and shelter for generations to come.
One day, as Ravi reflected on the pivotal moment when Hanuman had entered his life, he visited the banyan tree. To his surprise, he found a small shrine at its base, dedicated to the divine monkey god.
“Lord Hanuman, I am forever indebted to you for guiding me toward the path of righteousness. Your lesson has transformed my life and the destiny of our village,” Ravi expressed, a sense of gratitude filling his heart.
In a celestial whisper, Hanuman replied, “It was your own goodness that led you to make the right choice, dear Ravi. Remember, selflessness is the key to true prosperity.”
Over time, the shrine became a sacred place of pilgrimage for villagers seeking wisdom and divine blessings. The story of Ravi and Hanuman’s encounter became a cherished legend, passed down through generations, emphasizing the timeless moral lesson that greed begets suffering, while selflessness leads to enduring prosperity.
And so, in the heart of the tranquil village, where the banyan tree stood as a testament to the transformative power of virtue, Ravi’s legacy lived on. The divine friendship between Hanuman and the woodcutter became a timeless tale, echoing the profound truth that in choosing selflessness over greed, one paves the way to a life filled with abundance and spiritual fulfillment.
