Giving Happiness

Walking to town, a weary traveler saw a man sitting gloomily under a tree. The man looked so sad that the Hodja approached him and asked what was wrong. “Oh!” sighed the man, “I feel there is nothing of interest in this life. I have enough money and don’t really have any troubles, but nothing seems to bring me joy. I’m bored and spiritless. I took this trip to find something interesting, but so far, nothing has turned up.” He then dejectedly put his head in his hands.

Suddenly, the Hodja rushed up, snatched the bag the man had beside him, and ran off with it. He sprinted down the road like a deer. Knowing the area well, he took shortcuts across the countryside, placing him ahead of the man. Once he judged he was far enough away, he put the bag down on the roadside and sat some distance away to wait for the listless man.

After a while, the hapless man appeared, looking anxious and distressed. He was more upset than ever at the loss of his bag. However, he soon caught sight of it sitting quietly on the roadside. Instantly, his mood shifted; he perked up and started shouting for joy at finding his bag intact.