In the vast expanses of a forgotten land, where tales intertwine between the mystical and the real, there dwelled a hermit of astonishing power and skill. With hair that shimmered like sea foam and a face etched by time, he seemed to carry the weight of ages in his gaze.
The Tale of the Hermit and His Encounter with the Lord of Death
Despite his seemingly fragile appearance, he retained an agility and mental clarity rivaling those far younger.
After years of stringent disciplines and profound sacrifices, he had attained abilities beyond human understanding. Yet, one challenge remained undefeated: his overwhelming ego. But even for those with extraordinary skills, the shadow of death is ever-present.
Yama, the dreaded Lord of Death, deemed it the hermit’s time. However, the wily old man, employing his clairvoyant talents, sensed his pursuer’s approach and performed a staggering feat. Within moments, there were thirty-nine exact replicas of himself.
Upon arrival, Yama’s envoy was presented with a conundrum. How to distinguish the true hermit among the forty figures before him? Unable to discern, he was forced to return to Yama’s domain empty-handed.
The formidable Yama, however, was not one to be easily outwitted.
After pondering, he whispered a brilliant solution to his subordinate. As the envoy returned, the hermit, confident in his prowess, repeated his act of duplication. Yet, this time, the envoy, armed with Yama’s counsel, voiced his admiration for the deed, pointing out a minor flaw.
The hermit, driven by his ego and curiosity, couldn’t resist inquiring. In doing so, he unveiled his true form, allowing the envoy to seize him.
The lesson of this tale spans ages and cultures, serving as a timeless reminder of the ego’s power to cloud wisdom and lead us astray. As the Master once said:
“The ego distances us from our true essence. Without ego, we are eternal.”
