The Parable of the Mountain and the Mirror
Once, a young seeker came upon a mountain cloaked in clouds. At its base stood a wise elder, who welcomed travellers seeking wisdom and led them on the path of peace. “What must I do to find peace?” asked the seeker. The elder handed the seeker a mirror and said, “Climb this mountain. At each step, gaze into this mirror. When the mountain and the mirror are as one, you shall find what you seek.” And so, the seeker and the elder began to climb. At first, he saw only himself in the mirror—his pride, his victories, his sense of self shining brightly. But as he climbed higher, the clouds thickened, and the mirror grew heavy in his hand. He stumbled and fell, bruised and weary. At last, he asked the elder, “Why does this journey weigh me down? Why am I not lighter as I climb?” The elder smiled. “The mirror grows heavier not because of the climb, but because you still carry pride as your companion. Peace cannot be found while pride clouds your sight.” The seeker pondered this and
