His mother’s departure gave him a great impact. “Why is life so short and cruel? My mom left me, and my wife has been growing older and older.”

At this very moment, he wished to be calmed. So he returned to the forest. He was astonished to find that the forest appeared just the way it looks like during his first visit. The only difference, is his age, and his energy. He was tired after a few steps, and finally he sat down to catch a breath. Soon, he fell asleep.

A few moments later, the fairy appeared out of nowhere again! She asked “How was it? Isn’t this magical box useful?”

Kiddy replied “Useful!? It has worsened my life!”

The fairy was mad after hearing what Kiddy said. “You are a rude person who doesn’t know how to be grateful towards people! I’ve given the best gift on the world, but you never cherish it!”

Kiddy replied sadly “My mother passed away, and my wife has grown older. What’s so good about this box?”

The fairy was saddened by the look of his face. “Hey, how about this? I’ll grant you a wish if you return the silver box and golden silk to me, alright?”

Without a single hesitation, Kiddy returned the silver box and golden silk to the fairy. “Deal! I wish to return to the first time I saw you, I don’t want the golden box anymore.”
The fairy smiled, and took back the silver box and golden silk.

This moment, Kiddy heard his mother’s voice calling “Kiddy, why aren’t awake yet? Your little girlfriend is waiting to get to school with you!”

He opened his eyes and found out that he was lying on his bed. “It’s a dream? It seemed so realistic! Luckily it was only a dream. From now on, I’ll cherish the time I have and never wanting to skip them just because of some hardship!”

Words for the children:

Do you wish to have that magical silver box and golden silk? Who wouldn’t want it? It has the power to skip all sort of unhappy incidents in our life and make life easier. But when you found out that it might also make your loved ones grow old, or even leave you, would you still want it? From this story, I get to understand the value of life. Kiddy did not cherish his life nor the lives of his loved ones. For the sake of his happiness, he sacrificed the time of his life, and the time of his loved ones. What is the origin of life? It’s for the sake of other people’s happiness. When you begin to think for other people’s happiness, you’d realize the meaning and value of life. When at that point, you’ll be walking forward vigorously even if you were under hardship. On the other hand, if you live for your own happiness, you would find that life is hard and you’d give up easily. Please remember not to give up easily like Kiddy when you were challenged by hardships. It is not right to escape from problems, but to overcome them. This is because we never learn if we never tried. You are all still young. If you could face your challenges bravely, then you will shine in your life like a diamond.

In the story, the fairy had given Kiddy the best gift but was never appreciated by him. According to the fairy, the silver box is the best gift just because it helps you to skip over your hard times. But I think everyone of you are luckier than Kiddy. This is because you have something even greater than the silver box. You get to grow up with our Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. Have you been appreciating what you have? It’s great that you could grow up in this mystic law. Let’s chant vigorously even if we’re in suffering and hardship. Let’s march forward vigorously! We must have a heart of gratitude and appreciate the opportunity for being able to grow up in such noble Buddhism. With the Buddhism, we get to face challenges with courage and not to escape from it! With the Buddhism, we get to solve problems with wisdom and bravery! If you’d escape from your problems like Kiddy, you’ll never grow up to be as strong as a great tree. To challenge in hardship with bravery, achieving victory at the end! This is what “Winter always turns into Spring” means.

There’s a saying in Germany “Youth and passed time will never return.” Please appreciate and cherish your youth as it is your biggest treasure that may never be made again. The future’s victory depends on “present”, and everything begins from the “present”. Perhaps you may feel that you’re undergoing a suffering time. But those who can challenge with the Mystic Law, it will lead you to a golden life. This is a life to be proud of.

Shared by,
Wee Yean.

Labels: n. Story palace