The Blessed Lumberjack

Once upon a time, there was a Lumberjack who lived in a village on the outskirts of a forest in India. His name was Eshan. Every day he used to go to the forest, cut some wood from his usual place and return home and sell it in the market. He had a wife and two sons in his family. The wood did not earn him enough money but it was just enough for him and his family.

One day, he was going as usual to the forest to cut some wood but on his way, he saw a saint under a tree. Eshan went to the saint and touched his feet and asked for his blessings. The saint blessed him and said, "Keep going ahead, it will do you good." When Eshan reached the place where he always used to cut wood, he thought about what the saint had said. 'Keep going ahead, it will do you good'. Instead of stopping there, Eshan went ahead. He eventually reached a river. On the bank of the river, Eshan saw big chunks of silver. He was surprised. He gathered the chunks of silver and went home. He told his wife the day's story and showed her the silver chunks. She too was surprised.

The next day at the market he sold a little silver and earned a lot of money. He did not go to the forest. He did this every day. When the silver stock was almost finished, he had become rich. He had built a big house and had servants. His family also had more than enough to eat.

When the silver at his house had finished, he went to the forest again. He reached the river bank remembered what the saint had told him, "Keep going ahead, it will do you good". So, Eshan went ahead. He crossed the river and reached the other bank. He walked a bit more and saw nine chunks of gold behind a tree. He was flabbergasted. He gathered the gold and went home.

Eshan sold one chunk of gold every day and become very rich. He became well known amongst all people. His whole family was also very happy.

After nine days, Eshan went to the forest again. He reached the river and crossed it. He reached the spot where he had found the gold. He went farther and reached a towering hill. Instead of going around the hill, he started climbing it. Soon enough, he stumbled upon a hole. He looked inside and saw loads of diamonds and precious stones. His eyes twinkled with joy. He took all the shining load and went back home and showed it to his wife.

He sold all of the precious stones and diamonds and became the richest man as far as anyone knew. He and his family never had to face any trouble again. Even though Eshan was very rich, he was still humble and kind. When Eshan turned old, he always taught his grandchildren that they should never stop at one hurdle or achievement, they should always keep going ahead.