As the gentle light of dawn spread across the land, the Date seed awoke with a peculiar yearning in her heart. She felt a whisper deep within, urging, "Your longing is for the Sun." Moved by this inner voice, she set out to find the wise Walnut tree. It was this same voice that had always hinted to her that the Walnut tree knew the secrets of the Sun. Standing before the ancient Walnut, she humbly asked, "Oh wise ancient tree, can you show me the way to find a path to the Sun and to the truth? Will you be my guide on this journey?"
Before the Walnut tree start to speak, Chamomile seed and Turnip arrived, beseeching, "Oh venerable Walnut tree, show us the path of truth as well."
The Walnut tree turned toward them and answered, "All of you may meet the Sun, provided you grow sufficiently."
The Chamomile seed inquired, "Will we all grow alike?"
The Walnut tree replied, "No, it will not be so. Each of you will grow in your own unique way."
They continued, "Are you saying that we will grow separately and in different ways? Even if we listen to all your words, will we still not become like you?"
The Walnut tree responded, "Each of you possesses a distinct nature and must fulfil the purpose ingrained within you."
They asked again, "Tell us, what must we do to meet the Sun? And when shall the opportunity arise?"
The Walnut tree, immersed in the light and warmth of the Sun, pondered to itself, "How can I convey to them that they are unable to meet the Sun, that they can only dwell within it and cultivate their inner light?"
This notion seemed too profound and overwhelming for the tiny seeds, hence turning to them, the Walnut tree spoke, “Simply strive for your best each day. Don't worry about reaching the Sun. Focus on your own growth, when you're ready, you will be able to reach the Sun, and it will also become a part of you.”
This concept was clear to the mature Walnut tree, who had experienced it throughout his lifetime. The Walnut had absorbed the sunlight and fully immersed itself in the warmth of the Sun. However, it was a difficult and exhausting path for the young and small seeds. This simple lesson felt like a heavy burden to them.
As he gazed at the seeds, he wondered, “How can I guide them to grow and reach towards the sunlight?” Turning towards them, he advised, “My dear friends, to reach the Sun, you must take certain steps. Firstly, you must use the water in the soil to sprout. Once you have done so, the Sun will come to you as it loves sprouts.”
However, the Turnip felt disheartened by the Walnut tree's words and exclaimed, “I no longer want to love the Sun nor meet it. The Sun must be unfair for ignoring the seeds below the soil and insisting that they should emerge first to meet it. This Sun is unjust”.
The Walnut tree could never convey to the Turnip that to obtain something valuable, one must first be deserving of it. The Walnut tree was unable to articulate that even the Turnip's roots that were extended into the soil, was because of the same Sun nurturing this growth.
The Walnut tree pondered how to convey to the Turnip: "If you grow, you will see the Sun. Your anger towards the Sun has no effect on it, and if you quarrel with the Sun out of ignorance, you will even deprive yourself of that tiny bit of sunlight and warmth that has helped you underground. Your quarrel with the Sun will harm no one except yourself, and labeling the Sun as unjust will only bring you down. What you seek, you will receive. If you perceive the Sun as kind, then you will receive its kindness, but if you label it as unkind and unjust, unfairness and unkindness will grow within you, and you will never receive the warmth of the Sun...”
How could the Walnut tree convey its knowledge to the Turnip, as he could not comprehend the Sun’s mightiness.
The Walnut tree paused for a moment, then spoke, "The Sun possesses great wisdom. Its mercy exceeds even its wisdom. It watches over and nurtures everything, displaying immense kindness towards all living beings."
He felt compelled to speak at length about the Sun's kindness and mercy, hoping it might soothe them and ease them to sleep.
Eventually, all the creatures drifted off into sleep, feeling content and grateful for the Sun's boundless mercy. Yet, the Walnut tree remained alone, enveloped in sadness and despair beneath the moon's glow. It longed to cry out, " The Sun exists, why do you remain oblivious to the Sun's presence? It is you! That must question your worthiness to bask in its light and warmth. Witnessing the Sun demands a merit we seem to lack, and it is not the Sun's fault that we are deemed unworthy."
The Walnut tree grew weary of repeatedly speaking about the Sun's light and mercy. Despite the truth of his words and his belief in the Sun's benevolence, he felt exhausted from constantly reassuring others and trying to prevent them from harboring resentment towards the Sun.
The wise Walnut tree was acutely aware that speaking the truth could stir up resentment, both towards himself and the Sun. Therefore, he refrained from expressing what was in his heart and, as usual, found solace in his centuries-old solitude, burdened by the weight of his unspoken words and an even deeper sorrow for those extra ones he had to say.