Zandibibaba and Happiness

In the heart of an ancient forest, where towering trees whispered secrets and the air shimmered with mystery, lived a wise old prophet named Zandibibaba. His reputation for his profound wisdom and ability to guide others on their path to enlightenment had spread far and wide.

One day, a young man named Azim approached Zandibibaba, his heart heavy with despair. He had lost everything he held dear and was consumed by sadness. Desperate for guidance, he begged Zandibibaba to help him find happiness once more.

Zandibibaba listened patiently to Azim’s tale and then led him to a clearing. In the centre of the clearing was a massive oak tree, its branches reaching towards the heavens like the arms of a benevolent giant.

‘This tree,’ Zandibibaba explained, ‘is a metaphor for our lives. The trunk represents our past, the branches our present, and the leaves our future. To find happiness, we must learn to balance these elements.’

He pointed to the trunk, gnarled and weathered by time. ‘Our past,’ he said, ‘shapes us, but it does not define us. We cannot dwell on our mistakes or misfortunes, for they are but chapters in the grand story of our lives.’

Next, he turned his attention to the branches, which were laden with vibrant green leaves. ‘Our present,’ he continued, ‘is a gift. It is where we make choices, create memories, and shape our destiny. We must embrace each moment fully, for it will soon pass.’

Finally, he looked up at the leaves, shimmering in the sunlight. ‘Our future,’ he said, ‘is a mystery, but it holds endless possibilities. We must not fear the unknown, but rather embrace it with optimism and hope.’

‘To find happiness,’ Zandibibaba concluded, ‘we must live in balance with our past, present, and future. We must learn from our experiences, appreciate the present moment, and have faith in the possibilities that lie ahead. Like the oak tree, our lives can be strong, resilient, and filled with joy.’

Azim took Zandibibaba’s words to heart and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. He learned to forgive his past mistakes, to savour each moment of his present, and to cultivate a sense of hope for the future.

And as he lived in accordance with Zandibibaba’s metaphor, he gradually found the happiness that had once eluded him. The sadness that had consumed him dissipated, replaced by a profound sense of contentment and fulfillment.

So, let us remember Zandibibaba’s metaphor and strive to live in balance with our past, present, and future. For in this balance, we will find the true path to happiness.

Kerin Webb has a deep commitment to personal and spiritual development. Here he shares his insights at the Worldwide Temple of Aurora.