[Sophie]

Bavaria (Bayern)/Germany…







Once upon a time in a small village nestled between majestic mountains there lived an old Zen master named Koji.

He was renowned for his wisdom, compassion and the ability to impart valuable life lessons through simple yet profound stories. People from far and wide would journey to seek his guidance on matters of the heart and soul.

One sunny morning a young and curious traveler named Hiro approached the village. Hiro had been wandering across distant lands, meeting various people on his journey. However, he found himself struggling to differentiate between those who were genuine and those who were fake. Seeking answers, he inquired among the villagers about the renowned Zen master.

Upon hearing about Master Koji, Hiro's eyes lit up with hope. He decided to visit the old sage to seek the wisdom he so earnestly sought. Following the villager's directions, Hiro made his way to the heart of the village where Master Koji's humble abode stood amid blooming cherry blossom trees. Arriving at the Zen master's door Hiro hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding with anticipation. Taking a deep breath, he knocked gently on the wooden door which creaked open revealing the serene face of Master Koji.

"Welcome young traveler", the master greeted Hiro with a warm smile, inviting him inside. Hiro felt an immediate sense of tranquility in the presence of the wise old man. He bowed respectfully and said: "Master Koji, I have traveled far and wide, meeting countless people on my journey. However, I find it difficult to distinguish between those who are authentic and those who are fake. Can you please teach me how to identify fake people?"

The Zen master nodded thoughtfully and gestured for Hiro to sit with him under a beautiful cherry blossom tree in his garden. Master Koji plucked a ripe cherry from a nearby branch and handed it to Hiro. "Before I answer your question, young one", the master said, "Take a moment to observe this cherry carefully. Tell me what you see."

Hiro examined the cherry, appreciating its vibrant red hue, its plumpness, and the delicate stem that connected it to the tree. "This cherry is ripe and beautiful", Hiro remarked with admiration. The Zen master smiled and asked: "Do you see any imperfections in this cherry?" Hiro scrutinized the fruit, searching for any flaws. After a moment of contemplation, he replied: "Well, there is a tiny brown spot on its side but that does not diminish its beauty." Master Koji's eyes sparkled with delight. "Indeed", he said. "Just like this cherry, every person has imperfections. No one is perfect and that's what makes us human. The key to identifying fake people lies not in seeking perfection, but in recognizing sincerity." Curiosity piqued, Hiro asked: "But Master, how can one recognize sincerity in others?" The wise Zen master leaned in and whispered gently: "Observe how a person treats others. Pay attention to their actions and words and see if they align with their true selves. Fake people often wear masks, pretending to be someone they are not, and their words may sound sweet, but their actions may tell a different story." He continued: "Genuine people on the other hand embrace their imperfections. They are honest about who they are and are not afraid to show their vulnerabilities. Their actions are rooted in kindness and their words carry the weight of truth. Look for consistency between what they say and what they do and most importantly, trust your intuition."

Feeling a newfound sense of clarity and peace within himself, Hiro thanked the Zen master for his profound wisdom. As he continued his journey, he carried the lesson of the cherry in his heart. Along the way he met different people, each bearing their unique imperfections. Yet, armed with the guidance of Master Koji, Hiro could discern the genuine from the fake with a heart full of understanding and compassion. In his own interactions with others Hiro embraced his imperfections, cherishing the beauty of being true to himself. Like the ripe cherry with its tiny brown spot, he learned to value authenticity amidst the vast garden of life.

And so, the young traveler's quest for truth and authenticity continued, leading him to form meaningful connections with genuine souls while gracefully avoiding the deceivers. His journey became a testament to the wisdom of Master Koji.

And the tale of the ripe cherry lived on, passed down from generation to generation as a reminder that authenticity is a rare and precious gem to be cherished and celebrated in the tapestry of humanity.

"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j69s7J7vJy4"