I previously wrote a piece entitled the same thing 'Dreamer', and it says the same story. I was reminded of the story today and I don't know why, but I wanted to retell it.
Just like any random grain of rice that tips a scale, it begins with background information that makes you question, 'Where is this going?' Back when I heard this story, I thought the same thing, especially because I was younger and not as mature as I can claim to be today. However even then, this story struck a nerve. It opened my eyes and in a sense opened my mind to once again, think a little more deeply. This story really touched me.
I learned about this story in a language class. I would take a class outside of school to sit down and learn the intricacies of language, and much like any other language class, this one was very interactive. My teacher was also a great person who would always try to incorporate little nibblets we can think about, just because sometimes thinking is good for you. Not to mention, we'd somehow get to the point where we discuss how we can be better people; this aspect of the class, I really enjoyed.
On this particular day, my teacher wanted to tell us a story about a jokester. Somehow we ended up focusing on themes or words for each lesson when we went off on tangents like this, and for some cheesy reason, today's was love, or compassion. This actually peaked my interest even more, I wanted to see where this was going. So here it is:
A long long time ago, it took place when people were still in tribes and often moved around. The story keyed in on a particular group of course, a very small group of people. Now everyone in the group knew each other, it very much was a community, family-like feel. Not only this, but everyone in this group, were very kind people, they were very keen and intelligent people. They would always be trying to look out for one another, make things easier for one another and just coexist in a fashion which maximizes the peace amongst themselves. They were also very humble people that cared for the elephants and the ants, just as if they too were humans.
Now within that group existed many characters, of course. Their was the leader of the group, he was the man that everyone trusted when it was time to move to a different place, or went to advice. He was very skillful at reading between the lines and making calculated moves for the benefit of the group. Their were also men that built houses, crafted stones and more.
Also amongst the group was a younger man, who would do the odd jobs around the village. He would rotate amongst the various groups in attempts to help each of them in turn. He was a very compassionate, intelligent and hard working member of the village, but he was also a firecracker. Sometimes other people in the village thought of him as immature, or foolhardy because this young man would often play pranks or tricks on the other villagers. And he would also often speak nonsensically, about things that the others did not deem important.
Now this young man never played pranks in order to harm or befuddle the brothers that he lived with. He just wished to provide a light spirited atmosphere, and give his brothers a chance to smile and laugh through somewhat taxing days.
Pranks that he would play would include hiding villagers things in hay and once he even tricked a villager into eating a flower. All his pranks were of good humour and nature to himself, and many times other villagers would chuckle at his gestures.
One day, following another one of the young mans pranks, the group of villagers decided to hold a meeting. All of them gathered one evening, all except the young man. They all agreed that the young mans actions were unacceptable, they were immature and that he was not serious about his work. He was not serious enough, period. All his pranks and jokes needed to be stopped. They all decided to go to the young man to discipline him, and that if he did not abide, that they would leave him behind.
After the group concurred they started to the young mans house, only to be stopped by the leader of the group. He paused and asked them where they were going and what they were doing. One of the villagers responded by explaining the pranks of the younger villagers, and how he must be spoken with. The leader frowned, and looked at the members of the group. 'Don't be foolish' he said.
The leader took the group aside and set them down and began to address and asked them 'Do you have any idea how much people love him?' The group remained silent. 'Have you seen his family?' The group remained silent. 'How much nature and our surroundings appreciates him?' The group again, remained silent. The leader began to answer the questions for his fellow brothers.
'I know you all mean well, however you have taken little consideration of him. I asked you if you know how much people love him, and I see you all put on a blank stare. I ask you if you have seen his family, in his heart, we are his family. He is kind to us all, the animals and trees. He works very hard to make each and every one of us smile. As a family member, he wants to see us all happy, smiling, laughing. Not only this, but he conceals himself from everyone else. Have we ever seen him blunder with work? Leave a comrade to suffer? Never. He toils for us, and in return, from time to time, he plays pranks to see his brothers laugh. Aside from that, we do not know what he could possibly be thinking or doing. When he is not playing pranks or working outside, what is he doing? He sits in his hut all day, preparing food, reading or pondering, about these serious and important tasks. He is a free spirited boy, with a heavy heart. How do we repay him for making our work lighter, and our smiles larger?' The leader stood up and began to walk away. 'Please be careful with your actions.'
The group of men sat down for a moment longer in silence, thinking to themselves. Whispers flew from amongst them and they all stood up smiling and walked back to their work.
I can't help but make a comment now (yes the story is over). If we look now, in such a technologically advanced time, one of great 'importance'. Where do we stand now? Are we judgmental? All I can say, is be kind, for we don't know what is in the heart of another. Be that positive vibe, be that lighthearted spirit for others.
I really hope you enjoyed that. I did.
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