Once upon a time, in a small village nestled beside a dense forest, there lived a humble woodcutter named Raghav. He was known for his honesty and hard work. Every day, Raghav would go into the forest, chop wood, and sell it in the market to earn a living. Despite his modest means, he was always content and never complained.
The Lost Axe
One fateful day, while chopping wood by a river, Raghav’s axe slipped from his hand and fell into the water. He tried to retrieve it, but the river was too deep and fast-flowing. Desperate, Raghav sat by the riverbank and sighed. His axe was his only tool, and without it, he would have no means to earn money.
As he sat there, feeling helpless, a mysterious figure appeared before him. It was the god of the river, who had heard Raghav’s lament. The god offered to help. “Raghav, I will dive into the river and bring you back your axe. But I will also offer you a choice. I will show you three axes—one made of gold, one of silver, and the other, an ordinary axe like yours. Choose wisely, and I will reward you.”
The Temptation
The god dived into the river and emerged with three axes. The golden axe gleamed in the sunlight, the silver axe shone with elegance, and the third axe was just like the one Raghav had lost. The god asked, “Which one do you choose?”
Raghav, despite the temptation of the golden and silver axes, thought carefully. He looked at the god and said, “I want the axe I lost. It is the one I’ve worked with all my life, and it is the one I need to continue my work.”
The Reward for Honesty
The god smiled and nodded. “You have chosen wisely, Raghav. Your honesty and integrity have shown me that you are deserving of a reward.” The god then handed Raghav his original axe, along with the golden and silver axes as a gift for his honesty.
Raghav thanked the god and returned to his village with the three axes. He continued his work, but now, he was not only known for his honesty but also for his great fortune. He never sold the golden and silver axes but kept them as reminders of the value of integrity in his life.
The Moral
Integrity and honesty are the keys to true rewards in life. When we choose the path of truth, even in difficult circumstances, we are often rewarded in ways we never expect. Always stay true to your principles, and success will follow.
Key Takeaways
- Honesty is more valuable than any material possession.
- Integrity leads to long-lasting rewards and respect.
- Choosing the right path may not always be the easiest, but it is always the most rewarding.
