by Elisabeth Fayt, rnr Wellness Founder
At this time of year, when we have Evergreen Trees and Holiday Wish Lists on our minds, I thought the story about the Wishing Tree was most appropriate. Here is a paraphrased, condensed version (originally told by Paramahansa Yogananda).
There once was a hermit named Hari, who traveled barefoot through the Himalayan mountains in search of a certain wishing tree. Indian legends describe such miraculous trees as endowed with magical powers to fulfill any idea of the person sitting under one.
Hari knew at once when he approached the tree, that it was the one! He closed his eyes and thought: “If this is a wishing tree, I desire the instantaneous materialization of a mighty castle!” No sooner had he thought this than a great castle appeared near the tree, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.
Encouraged by his first success, Hari made another plea: “I wish to have a full staff of people to wait on me hand and foot, and the castle to be filled with endless sumptuous food served on golden plates.” Sure enough, his wish came to life.
Delighted by the instantaneous fulfillment of his desires, Hari then wished for a mighty army to protect him and guard his new treasures, and at once, guards appeared by all of the doorways of the castle.
After feasting, Hari retreated to his quarters for a nap. He felt an odd quietness. The room was huge, and the corners were dark with shadows. Hari felt very much alone, except for the noises coming from the jungle outside. As his nervousness grew stronger, he automatically sent out a powerful thought: “There are no bars on my window. The jungle is close. What if a tiger comes through the window to get me, it will be my finish!”
Just as this fearful thought enveloped him, a ravenous tiger bolted through the castle window and carried off the terror-frozen hermit! It was too late for him to realize that a wishing tree would fulfill both his good and his bad thoughts.
The moral of the story? Each one of us lives under a Wishing Tree. It can shower us with success, high achievements, and happiness; if our thoughts and actions merit them. Just as success doesn’t come overnight, we should be thankful that all of our uncontrolled thoughts aren’t instantaneously materialized. But in time, we do create our experience of life…by what we think about, focus on and give importance to. Only you have control over that. In other words, as they say, “be careful what you wish for”.
“You possess the power of thought and the power of will. Utilize to the utmost these divine gifts!”
Paramahansa Yogananda from The Law of Success