An Overview

 Once in a small village nestled at the foot of a towering mountain, there lived a humble stonecutter named Hiroshi. Every day, Hiroshi would go to the mountain and carve stones, shaping them into beautiful pieces that were used to build homes and temples. Despite his skill, Hiroshi was not content with his life. He envied those who seemed to have more power, wealth, and influence.

One day, while working in the heat of the sun, Hiroshi saw a wealthy merchant passing by, surrounded by servants and carrying bags of gold. Overcome with envy, Hiroshi murmured, "I wish I were a wealthy merchant, so I wouldn’t have to toil in this sun."

To his astonishment, a voice from the mountain replied, "Your wish is granted." In an instant, Hiroshi found himself dressed in fine clothes, sitting in a luxurious carriage, and surrounded by riches. He enjoyed his newfound wealth, but soon, he realized that people still bowed to the prince of the land. The prince had more power, and Hiroshi envied him.

"I wish I were a prince," he thought.

Again, the mountain’s voice granted his wish. Hiroshi became a prince, living in a grand palace and commanding great respect. However, as he watched the sun shine brightly, he realized that even a prince could not control the scorching heat. The sun was more powerful than he was.

"I wish I were the sun," Hiroshi declared.

Once more, his wish was granted. He became the sun, shining brightly and spreading warmth across the land. But then, a dark cloud appeared and blocked his light. He realized that the cloud had more power, as it could overshadow even the mighty sun.

"I wish I were a cloud," Hiroshi demanded.

The mountain complied, and Hiroshi became a cloud, floating high in the sky and blocking the sun’s rays. He poured rain on the land, causing floods and destruction. But soon, he felt an unmovable force beneath him—the mountain, which stood firm despite all his efforts.

Hiroshi then realized, "The mountain is mightier than I. I wish I were the mountain."

In an instant, he became the mountain, towering above the village and immovable by any force. He felt invincible, thinking nothing could ever surpass his strength. Yet, as he stood there, he felt a sharp pain as something chipped away at his base. It was a stonecutter, chipping away at the mountain’s rocks to shape them into something new.

And in that moment, Hiroshi realized the truth. The power to shape and change the world lies not in wealth, status, or strength, but in the simple, diligent work of a humble soul. He understood that the stonecutter, who he once was, had more power than any prince, cloud, or mountain.

With this realization, Hiroshi returned to his former life, content with his role as a stonecutter, knowing that true power comes from within, and that happiness is found in embracing who you are.