On a tranquil night bathed in moonlight, when most of the garden’s plants had gracefully drifted into sleep, Date turned to Walnut Tree and spoke. “Oh, Walnut Tree, I long to grow to the best of my ability. My heart yearns to bear abundant fruits, just like you. I wish to attain your virtues.”
Walnut Tree responded, “You can strive for what you desire; many impossibilities become possible through effort and diligence.”
Date pondered for a moment before asking, “Did you work hard to gain the wisdom you possess?”
Walnut Tree shook his branches gently. “No, this wisdom was granted to me.”
Date furrowed her brow. “Granted? Do you mean the gardener or the Sun simply bestowed it upon you effortlessly?”
Walnut Tree replied, “No, dear Date, it’s not that simple. Being granted something comes with its own conditions and requirements. Receiving is different from earning.”
Still puzzled, Date asked, “But what is the difference between the two? I thought being granted was easier than acquiring. Now you’re saying it’s more complicated.”
Walnut Tree explained, “Acquisition is the result of effort, and even if merit is lacking, many virtues can be gained through striving. But divine bestowal is reserved for those who are truly deserving.”
Date thought for a moment before insisting, “So striving is more valuable than deserving? If we work hard, we will surely achieve our goal, whereas there’s no guarantee that our efforts will make us deserving.”
Walnut Tree replied, “I didn’t say that striving always leads to success. I merely said that it makes attainment possible. Whether a desire is fulfilled depends on many factors, and for some, destiny may never allow it. Yet, I prefer being bestowed upon. I have worked to acquire certain virtues, but I have not attained them all, and some were never granted to me.”
Date nodded slowly. “But you say that through effort, we gain deserving, so you still emphasize the importance of striving.”
Walnut Tree continued, “Effort is essential for any transformation, but striving to earn merit and striving to achieve something are not the same. Let me give you an example: Imagine I aspire to be a generous leader, possessing abundant wealth to distribute wisely and fairly. My fruits represent this wealth, which must be shared with wisdom and justice. If I manage this wealth well, I will have acquired the virtue of managing it. But if the world does not grant me wealth, I will not have the opportunity to manage it—yet my efforts will still cultivate a virtue within my soul. On the other hand, someone may possess great wealth but never strive to develop the virtue of generosity or wise stewardship.”
Date considered this and asked, “So, dear Walnut Tree, which is more important—being wealthy or having the virtue of acquiring and managing wealth?”
Walnut Tree replied, “The virtue of acquiring and managing wealth wisely becomes a quality of the soul and endures forever. Even when a plant’s life ends, this virtue remains within its Seed. When that Seed is planted again, from the very beginning, the potential to produce wealth and bear abundant fruit is already present.
But if a plant is merely wealthy, possessing many fruits, that wealth is fleeting. If pests attack it, or if it perishes, it cannot regain what was lost—because it was only wealthy, not a wealth-builder. Now tell me, which is better: being wealthy or being a wealth-builder?”
Date Seed, now more certain, declared, “Without a doubt, the ability to generate wealth is more valuable than simply possessing it, for that virtue is lasting and eternal. Walnut Tree, I cherish this time with you in the stillness of the night. Since I have this opportunity, please tell me more about acquiring merit.”
Walnut Tree continued, “Merit resides within the soul, and when the soul deems it worthy, it bestows it upon its Seed. When permission to use the soul’s abilities is granted to a Seed, it becomes a divine asset, meant to serve spiritual goals. But the pursuit of anything does not always nurture the soul or inspire virtue—at times, it may even lead to corruption.”
Date Seed, struggling to grasp the depth of Walnut Tree’s words, asked, “Could you give me an example?”
Walnut Tree replied, “Imagine a plant that has worked tirelessly to gain power and rule over the garden. Can we say with certainty that this power is good or bad? Does it truly serve the soul’s purpose?”
Date Seed thought for a moment. “It depends on how the plant uses its power. If it rules unwisely, it will bring suffering to the garden and eventually face the consequences.”
Walnut Tree nodded. “Exactly. The effort to gain power or skill is not inherently good—it depends on how it is used. But what about virtue? Can acquiring virtue ever lead to harm?”
Date Seed answered confidently, “A plant filled with virtue can never harm its own soul, its Seed, or others.”
Walnut Tree smiled. “Then strive to acquire merit, not wealth, attention, power, or status. Focus only on cultivating virtue within yourself.”
“I understand, dear Walnut Tree!” Date Seed exclaimed. “It seems simple enough. From now on, I, too, will strive to acquire merit.”
Walnut Tree’s tone grew more solemn. “Understand, dear Date Seed, that this path will not be easy. Acquiring merit requires immense patience, relentless effort, and an iron will. Each time you open your eyes to this world, you will face challenges—with no certainty of reward. If your heart is always fixated on the outcome, despair will take root. One day, you will decay, and your Seed will fall into the soil, only to sprout again, offering another chance to acquire merit. Effort, willpower, and patience must be your companions—but not hope.”
Date Seed was taken aback. “Did I hear you correctly? You’ve always spoken of hope. But now you’re telling me to strive without it?”
Walnut Tree responded gently, “You heard correctly. Hope is useful for short-term aspirations, but in the pursuit of virtues that may take thousands of years to acquire, hope can lead to sorrow, despair, and disappointment.”
Date Seed fell silent before asking, “Have you gained wisdom from this experience?”
Walnut Tree sighed. “Yes. In my youth, I longed to acquire virtue, but my desires often led me into the depths of despair. In time, I learned that I am a servant of my soul, of the gardener, of the Sun, and of the world. Since then, I have walked the path of service without expectation, and slowly, many virtues were bestowed upon me—some without my even realizing how or when.
Today, I serve this garden. I do not know where I will be tomorrow, but wherever I am, I will continue to serve and follow the law of love. So, dear Date Seed, if you seek my advice, be a selfless servant of the world. Obey no command but that of love. Serve sincerely, and expect no reward. The most precious merits will come to you when you least expect them. Seize every chance to gain virtue, and beware of chasing fleeting achievements.”
He paused, then added, “Once you acquire divine virtues, the light within you will shine eternally, guiding all you possess toward higher purposes.”
