In a small village, a young man had to leave school and return home due to his family’s financial struggles. Despite his youth, he was incredibly focused, ensuring his full attention was given to whatever task he was engaged in, whether admiring the landscape or cautiously navigating his way to avoid mishaps.
An old copper coin
One day, while walking, he stumbled upon an old copper coin that seemed to have been forgotten by time at the side of the road. As he passed a garden, he heard the gardeners complaining of thirst. Seizing the moment, he used the copper coin to buy some tea for them, quenching their thirst. The gardeners, touched by his gesture, each gifted him a beautiful bouquet of flowers in gratitude.
While passing through the market with the flowers in hand, he generously distributed them to flower enthusiasts. Each recipient, moved by his kindness, gave him a copper coin in return. Before long, he found himself in possession of eight copper coins.
An act of kindness paves the way
A storm soon ravaged the area, leaving the orchard littered with fallen branches and leaves. Seeing this, the young man offered to clean up, asking only to keep the debris for firewood in return. The gardeners gladly agreed.
While gathering firewood, he noticed a group of children squabbling over some candies. With his eight copper coins, he bought candies for the children, teaching them the value of sharing and harmony. The delighted children, seeing him collecting firewood alone, eagerly helped him clear all the branches and leaves.
On his way home with the firewood, he encountered a cook from a wealthy household who noted the quality of his firewood, perfect for cooking without producing much smoke, which was ideal for the asthmatic master of the house. The grateful cook purchased the firewood for 16 copper coins.
An opportunity to do more good
With 16 copper coins in hand, the young man saw an opportunity to do more good. He set up a tea stall near his home, providing relief to the thirsty passersby and free tea to hundreds of grass cutters in the sweltering summer heat. His generosity earned him widespread praise.
A passing merchant, impressed by the young man’s kindness and business acumen, suggested he prepare extra tea for a group of horse traders expected to pass by the next day. Realizing the horses would need grass, the young man shared his plan with the grass cutters, who generously donated bundles of grass. The next day, when the horse traders arrived and saw the abundant fodder, they took what they needed and left a thousand copper coins in gratitude.
The foundation of success
Years later, this young man became a renowned and wealthy figure in the region. His success was no coincidence; it stemmed from his innate goodness, compassion, and understanding that giving leads to receiving. He recognized the value in everything, even fallen branches, and knew that collective effort could achieve great things. Those who appreciate and seize opportunities are the ones who ultimately succeed.
We all dream of success, but opportunities and wealth are often closer than we think. Many fail to notice them, instead lamenting their misfortunes or blaming societal injustices. What we truly lack is a spirit of generosity, a heart that thinks of others before oneself, and the ability to cherish each opportunity and act upon it decisively.
Translated by Cecilia
