The Well of Letting Go

A father noticed his young son's fascination with knives. Where other parents might have scolded or redirected, he saw an unexpected path to spiritual wisdom. He began cultivating this interest, carefully selecting knives of different shapes and sizes, teaching proper handling, sharing in his son's growing enthusiasm.

The collection grew steadily. Hunting knives, pocket knives, ornate daggers. Each new blade deepened the boy's attachment until his identity became inseparable from his treasures. Then one morning, without warning, the father gathered every knife and, as his son watched in horror, cast them into a deep well.

The boy's anguished cry echoed across the courtyard. Through tears, he demanded an explanation. His father knelt beside him, and with a gentle, but unflinching voice said, "my son, I watched your heart become a servant to these objects. Better you learn now, while young, that true happiness can never be held in your hands."