The Best Jewel in Life

In ancient China, there lived a man with his widowed mother. One day, his mother drastically collapsed, never to rise again. Her death plunged him into poverty and a period of depression. It was then he decided to look for the true secret of happiness.

He presented himself to China’s great emperor and China’s most famous merchant.

“What is the true secret of happiness?” was the question to both.

“Money,” they answered simply. This answer did not satisfy the man. Disappointed, he wended his way to his home.

Overcome with fatigue, he came to rest on a rock. In the distance, he saw a prominent cave. His curiosity lured him to the cave until he was a few feet away. The hermit inside sensed his presence.

“Come in,” he bade the young man. The man entered.

I’m sorry to bother you, but I am troubled. May I ask you a question?” the man asked. The hermit gave his consent with a nod of his head.

“What is the true secret of happiness?” the man continued.

“Ah, yes. I have just two words for you: be kind. This is sure to bring you true happiness,” the hermit replied. This seemed to satisfy the man. He bowed and continued his journey home.

Months later, a man in a ragged cloak appeared at his front door. Remembering the words of the old hermit, the man gladly greeted and invited this mysterious visitor in. The man fixed the visitor a hot meal, and the visitor gratefully ate. After the meal, he rose and thanked the man. The visitor pulled back his cloak to reveal his expensive clothes.

“Thank you, my friend. You have been kind to a stranger, and now I will pay you back,” the visitor said, pulling a box from his pack and then handing it to the man. In it, the man found jewels that were worth a fortune if sold. The stranger thanked the man once again and went on his way, leaving the man in surprise.

Once the man had children, he passed on the never-forgotten advice: Be kind.