The next morning, Date woke up earlier than usual. She closed her eyes once more, gently revisiting the lessons she had learned from Walnut the day before. In the stillness, she realized how important it was to remain aware of what she was creating—moment by moment—within the empty space of herself.
She felt it was more essential than ever to embrace silence, so that the precious emptiness within her would not be filled with anything trivial.
Turnip, meanwhile, had also woken up early, still brimming with excitement from the previous day's lessons. He believed the best way to fill his empty space was with joy and delight, leaving no room for sorrow. So, with dancing steps, a cheerful spirit, and a loud voice, he began repeating Walnut’s words.
But Date, whose silence had been shattered by Turnip’s lively commotion, could no longer contain her frustration. “Be silent, you ignorant Turnip!” she cried. “You’ve filled not only your own space but ours as well, with the noise of your restless mind. Why can’t you let our emptiness stay calm and clear, so the Lord may fill it with His light? Why must you be so selfish, forcing your chaos into our empty space?”
Her anger flared, and she kept complaining and blaming Turnip, unable to put out the fire burning inside her.
Turnip, irritated by her accusations, replied, “Didn’t Walnut say everyone’s empty space belongs to themselves? That we’re free to fill it however we choose? Then why don’t you just mind your own space? If you keep this up, you’ll turn into a mountain of rage and hatred—you stubborn Date!”
Almond, disturbed and uneasy, turned to Walnut with anxious eyes, silently hoping he would offer a way to calm the storm.
Walnut, having observed the conflict, turned to Almond with a gentle smile. “You see, Almond,” he said, “if I don’t teach them, they remain in ignorance. But even when I do teach, they interpret everything through the lens of that same ignorance. Sometimes, I truly don’t know whether it’s wiser to speak or to remain silent.”
He paused for a moment, then continued with a smile, “The discord you’re witnessing today is the fruit of yesterday’s lesson.”
Almond sighed with a hint of sorrow. “Even so,” he said, “your words have brought clarity and wisdom. For many plants like me, each point you’ve shared has been a guiding light.”
Walnut spoke calmly, “I’ve earned my reputation for wisdom because I understand the power of words and know how to choose them carefully. If I misuse them, I risk losing my standing as a wise one. Those who have read my book know I can simplify even the most complex ideas. While eloquence is a gift, simplicity is often my true strength. But sometimes, my inner simplicity can overshadow my eloquence. You see, Almond, even the wisest among us can speak out of ignorance, and that can lead to unintended consequences. Take, for example, the lesson I shared yesterday, it was a mistake. It was too difficult for Date and Turnip to fully understand, leading them into confusion and misguided thoughts. Their argument is a clear reflection of my own error.”
Almond asked with concern, “Now that they’re in conflict, what should we do? Could their bitterness spread to the rest of us?”
“Yes, you’re right,” Walnut replied. “That’s why I must step in now and correct my mistake.”
“At that moment, Turnip, more frustrated than before, turned to Walnut. ‘Walnut, please explain to the confused Date. She’s misunderstood your teachings and doesn’t seem to grasp them properly.’”
Date, now furious, responded sharply, “Am I the ignorant one who can’t understand Walnut’s lessons? It’s you who fail to understand and apply them properly! You disturbed my peace with your loud voice!”
With unwavering seriousness, Walnut spoke, “Both of you, be silent and listen carefully. Are you not both consumed by anger and complaints? Did I not teach you that when you’re in distress, it’s a reflection of a flaw within yourselves? Today, you’ve both fallen into suffering and blamed each other. You’ve violated the first law of divine understanding. Can you recognize your mistake?”
Walnut's words brought some calm to Date and Turnip, but their inner turmoil remained visible.
Walnut then added, “Remember, what you learn from me is meant for your own growth, not to be wielded against others.”
Finally, he asked, “Date, if I tell you not to lie, will you start exposing all the liars you know tomorrow?”
Date responded, “No, I won’t do that. I understand that this lesson is meant to help me strengthen my inner world, and I believe in allowing others to make their own choices freely.”
Turning to Turnip, Walnut asked, “Now, please you answer me too, Turnip!, If, after hearing this lesson, you come across liars, what will you do? Will you strike out at them with anger and hatred?”
Turnip responded, "I will not do that, wise Walnut, for I have learned from you that this is not the way, but a dead end."
Walnut then said firmly, “So, can you explain what you two were doing just moments ago? Was it not a misuse of the wisdom you’ve learned from me, using it to attack each other?”
Date and Turnip exchanged embarrassed glances, lowering their heads in shame.
Walnut continued, “In the empty space between each of you, both light and darkness can be created. You have the power to shape this space with either light or darkness, love or hatred, and even peace or conflict.”
“A moment ago, both of you chose to create darkness and hatred. You allowed Satan to rule your empty space, becoming allies of darkness. A space filled with the light of the Divine force would bring you peace, but a space filled with darkness will drown you in fear and anxiety.”
“You both chose to be ruled by darkness.”
“Remember, each one’s space is their own and will be filled by them alone. You have the freedom to fill it with whatever you wish. What I’m emphasizing is that no one else, nor anything else, can fill your space for you.
Turnip asked in disbelief, “Are you saying that we are creators?”
Walnut replied gently, “Indeed, in the third layer of your existence, you are a creator. We all are. Every moment, with every thought and feeling, we are creating something. Our negative creations can make us suffer, while our positive ones nourish and guide us. Creations that align with our inner light lead us to happiness, while those that stray from it will lead to our downfall.”
Turnip surprisingly asked, “Are you saying that our creations, which are part of ourselves, have the power to destroy us?”
“Exactly,” Walnut responded. “What we create shapes our path. It can foster our growth and happiness or fuel our anger and anxiety. It can nurture us or, if we’re not careful, it can tear us apart from the inside out.”
Date, clearly puzzled, asked, “But, dear Walnut, Turnip’s voice disturbed my peace. How can you say that each person is solely the creator of what happens in their space?”
Walnut nodded. 'Yes, each person can indeed create within their own space. But remember, what you create depends on the state of your heart. If, when you heard Turnip's words, love flowed through you, no anger or hatred would have been stirred. But when you are troubled or hurt inside, any words or sounds can feel harsh and painful—even Turnip's joyful song.'
After reflecting on their actions, Date and Turnip exchanged a look of regret and, with a touch of embarrassment, apologized to each other.
Then, turning to Walnut, they said, "We are deeply grateful to you. Truly, you are a wise guide and a compassionate, thoughtful companion to us."
With a soft smile, Walnut said, “Never forget this: the space between you and others is naturally empty, so fill it with such love and affection that there is no room left for darkness to enter.”
After speaking these words, Walnut tree gently lowered his head and retreated into the quiet solitude of his heart.
