In the scorching heat of a summer pilgrimage, a virtuous man and his family found themselves parched and desperate for water. With no respite in sight, their prayers led them to a sage deep in meditation, who directed them to a river to quench their thirst.
Grateful for the sage's guidance, the man ventured to the river, returning with water to soothe his family's suffering. Yet, on his journey back, he encountered others in need—strangers, equally thirsty and in search of relief.
Moved by compassion, the virtuous man selflessly gave away his water, time and time again, to those in need. Each encounter drained his supply, but he never hesitated to offer aid to those who sought it.
Meanwhile, the sage observed the man's actions with a discerning eye, recognizing the inherent goodness in his intentions but also the flaw in his approach. For while the man's heart overflowed with generosity, his actions depleted his own resources, leaving his own family vulnerable.
Approaching the virtuous man, the sage imparted a valuable lesson—that true benevolence lies not in emptying one's own cup to quench the thirst of others, but in guiding them to the source of abundance.
Instructing the man on the path to the river, the sage illuminated the way for him to share not just water, but the means to obtain it. By empowering others to seek out their own sustenance, the man could alleviate their suffering while ensuring the well-being of his own kin.
In a moment of revelation, the virtuous man understood the wisdom of the sage's words. True charity, he realized, does not diminish the giver but enriches both the giver and the receiver.
With newfound clarity, the man embraced his role not only as a provider of aid but as a guide, leading others to the source of virtue and abundance. And in doing so, he discovered the true essence of selflessness—the act of lifting others up while strengthening oneself in the process.
Thus, the virtuous man embarked on a new journey, one guided not only by compassion but by wisdom—a journey of sharing virtue and leading others to the wellspring of goodness that lies within.