One morning, Walnut woke up to the sounds of Turnip and Date arguing loudly. They were speaking with great anger and passion, each trying to prove their point to the other. Amidst their conversation, Walnut heard his name mentioned several times. Upon listening more carefully, he realized that both were trying to justify their beliefs by referencing Walnut’s words.
Though Walnut did not catch the full details of their discussion, he understood that the topic at hand was Chamomile.
Seeing Walnut, Turnip said, “Oh Walnut, don’t you have anything to say to Date? I’ve noticed that Chamomile has been very depressed lately, and I want to help her, but Date is stopping me.
Look, Walnut, isn’t it the gardener’s job to change her soil and water to improve her condition?”
Before Walnut could respond, Date snapped back angrily, “You don’t even know what’s wrong with Chamomile. Why are you giving your opinions? I’ve told you a hundred times, this isn’t something the gardener can fix! Stop being so stubborn and mind your own business!”
Turnip replied, "You know what your problem is, Date? You seem to believe that no one else understands. But I know exactly what's troubling Chamomile. She hasn't bloomed in quite some time, and that's why she's feeling so down and sad."
Date replied, her voice tinged with frustration, "Listen, Turnip! When I say you don't understand something, don't take offense—because, honestly, you don’t! Chamomile's lack of blooming is due to something deep within her. That's why there's nothing the gardener can do to fix it."
Turnip responded dismissively, “Whatever the problem is, the gardener can fix it better than anyone.”
Walnut, sensing the underlying tension, gently placed a hand on his face and remarked, “Ah, so you both believe you have the solution to Chamomile’s issue?”
He paused, noticing the silence from them, and continued, “It’s interesting. You’ve disturbed the peace of the entire garden since this morning, causing pain and distress to yourselves and others, and now you’re talking about solving Chamomile’s sorrow?
Do you really think it’s wise to disrupt the entire garden in the process of trying to solve one plant’s problem, only to fail to fix it? All I’ve seen is how you turned a small issue into a bigger one.”
Turnip and Date looked at each other in surprise, and asked, “What greater problem have we created, Walnut? We haven’t even done anything yet!”
Walnut replied, “Let me ask you this: Between your quarrel and Chamomile’s depression, which one do you think is worse? Don’t worry about Chamomile’s problem. I will solve it. But before that, I must deal with your issue. Today’s events have shown that you have yet to learn cooperation, friendship, and the value of kindness.”
Turnip and Date fell silent and lowered their heads.
With a sigh, Walnut looked up at the sky and said, “At the end of this book, I will share some important thoughts. If you listen with your hearts, they will light the path for you.
Everything that God has created is perfect and complete in its own way, and all the necessary parts are contained within it. But the coordination among these parts is another matter. Now, let’s consider our own garden. It is, like any other system, complete and perfect. Is that not so?
But if you pay attention, you’ll see that there’s a lack of coordination between its parts.
Usually, it is the Tomato, rather than Turnip or Date, who speaks on behalf of Raspberry. Chamomile always uncertain, struggle to make decisions. Without the necessary harmony among the elements of our garden, true happiness and prosperity will remain beyond our reach.
If you agree, I’d like to discuss each of your roles.”
They all nodded in agreement with Walnut’s suggestion.
Walnut continued, “In this garden, I represent the sun, and my job is to ensure coordination among the garden’s parts and to teach and guide them. Throughout this time, I have tried to do my duty in the best possible way.
Date, you are the divine intellect of the garden, responsible for its awareness. You must connect with the sky and seek guidance from above to solve the garden’s problems. You are also the symbol of the heart. The heart solves problems by looking inward, not seeking earthly solutions.
Turnip, you symbolize earthly intellect. Earthly intellect deals with physical and earthly problems and looks to the outside world for answers.
In a complete being, both types of intellect work together. Therefore, both of you must remain aware and active. When a problem arises, you must work hand in hand to solve it.
I have seen many gardens where Date worked hard, but Turnip didn’t provide the necessary conditions for growth. I’ve also seen gardens where Turnip was diligent, but without the collaboration of Date, no progress was made.
As I said, coordinating the heart and the mind is my responsibility.”
Turnip asked, “Oh, so you mean Date sapling and I must always cooperate?”
With a smile, Walnut replied, “Of course, you must work together in harmony. While your roles and functions are completely different, you must still learn to move together, side by side.”
Almond asked, “Master, what if two paths contradict each other? What should we do?”
Walnut smiled, “That’s a very good question. Date is responsible for the internal progress of the garden. Her role is to elevate the garden spiritually, while Turnip deals with external, physical problems. So, Almond, answer this for me: If two methods conflict, which is more important—elevating the spiritual state of the garden or solving its physical problems?”
Almond replied, “Elevating the spiritual state of the garden is more important.”
“Exactly,” Walnut nodded. “Now, if you agree, let’s go visit Chamomile.”
Together, they walked to Chamomile to check on her. Walnut turned to Chamomile and asked, “Oh beautiful Chamomile, why are you so sad and troubled?”
Chamomile replied, eyes full of tears, “Because of what you just said... ‘Beautiful Chamomile’…”
And with that, she began to sob uncontrollably.
Walnut said. “What sentence are you referring to? I didn’t say anything! I only asked how you were feeling!”
Chamomile continued in the same sorrowful tone, “But you called me ‘beautiful.’ I’m not beautiful anymore. My flowers have fallen. I’ve lost my usual charm, and now I have no beauty left.”
Walnut chuckled, “Ah, Chamomile, your grief is well-deserved! I see no harm in your sadness. Perhaps you should stay in your sorrow and embrace your depression alone.”
Turnip, speaking with frustration, said, “Was all my effort to make Chamomile better pointless? All that energy I spent trying to find a solution…”
The garden plants were puzzled, wondering why Walnut was showing no interest in helping. This behavior seemed so unlike the Walnut they knew.
Finally, Date broke the silence, saying, “Chamomile, I believe you can choose a different kind of beauty. If you look closely, you’ll see that beauty exists everywhere in this world. When you chase after a beauty that is confined by time and space, your joy and sorrow will also be trapped by time and space.
But look for the beauty that is free from these constraints—a beauty that no wind, rain, or storm or even winter can take away from you.”
Chamomile asked, “What other beauty could there be besides my flowers? My beauty was tied to them, the flowers that once bloomed but have now withered.”
Date responded, “If you possess a beautiful spirit, can any storm or wind take that beauty from you? Have you ever asked yourself, ‘How do my eyes see?’ or ‘Do I have eyes that see beauty?’
The main problem lies with your eyes—they don’t have the ability to see beauty. Don’t you think that eyes that perceive beauty are far more precious than beautiful flowers? Eyes that no change in time or space can change the way they see.”
Walnut looked at them. Date had gently guided Chamomile with love and wisdom to realize her mistake. The growth of wisdom and understanding in Date was a source of great joy for Walnut. He smiled in satisfaction and left the two of them alone.
Almond, who had witnessed the scene, thought about how Walnut had wisely placed Date in a position where she could speak from the heart. Almond remembered when he, too, had been in a similar situation as a young sapling. Walnut had often guided him in such ways.
With a smile, Almond said, “Oh Walnut, I remember when I was younger, you often put me in situations like this. I used to wonder why you treated me this way, but now I realize how thankful I am. Those tough moments helped me grow into the strong tree I am today.
I’ve learned everything I know from you, Walnut. Without your guidance, the challenges I faced would have overwhelmed me.
Grateful for the chance to be by your side, I’ve always rushed to help any plant you asked me to—wholeheartedly and without hesitation. Now, please tell me: what is my place in this garden, and what do I truly represent?
Walnut laughed and replied, “You are the humanity soul in this garden. You are the executor, and your role is to carry out the work. If you perform your duties well, you will be connected to the sun and the gardener. But if you allow yourself to serve only your ego, you will lose that connection. You must maintain the balance between Date and Turnip, and manage the relationship between Tomato and the other plants as well.
The relationship between Tomato and Date should always be based on love and kindness.
In truth, it is your responsibility to ensure that the plants in this garden communicate with each other. I hope you fulfill this role well.
Know that my wisdom will always support you along the way.”
Almond, astonished, said, “I never imagined I had such an important role in this garden. I thought it was only your presence that mattered.”
Walnut chuckled, “Learn to be. Being is the most important role of all.
Only someone who possesses the quality of ‘Abdullah’ (a servant of God) can truly understand what it means to be.
If you considered yourself important, pride would take over, and then you wouldn’t hear my words—you would only hear your own voice.”
Almond asked, “Is there another symbol in this garden that I don’t know about?”
Walnut replied, “Yes, the entire garden is a symbol of the school I’ve created. Each plant here has a role in this school. Their roles are both spiritual and earthly, internal and external.
You too had an important role in this school in the outer world. You were the teacher of this garden.
The one who had learned so well that now could teach others.”
Almond reflected, realizing how he had been playing a role without fully understanding it. He went to sleep that night with gratitude and joy, knowing that Walnut’s wisdom had guided him once again.
