The Wisdom of the Eternal Tree: A Story of Dharma and Karma

Once upon a time, in a vast and sprawling forest, there lived a wise old oak tree named Oakley. Oakley had lived in the forest for as long as anyone could remember, and he had seen countless generations of animals come and go. He was known throughout the forest for his wisdom and his ability to see beyond the surface of things.

One day, a young fawn named Willow came to visit Oakley. Willow was worried about the future and asked Oakley, “What will happen when I die? Will I cease to exist?”

Oakley replied, “Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.”

Willow was confused by Oakley’s words and asked him to explain what he meant. Oakley replied, “You see, my dear Willow, life is a cycle. We all come into being, live our lives, and then return to the earth. But our energy, our essence, never truly disappears. It simply transforms into something else.”

Willow listened carefully to Oakley’s words and felt comforted by the idea that her existence would never truly cease.

A few days later, a forest fire broke out, and all the animals were in danger. Willow was terrified and didn’t know what to do. She ran to Oakley for help.

Oakley remained calm and collected and asked Willow to follow him. He led her to a nearby lake, where they were safe from the fire. Willow was amazed by Oakley’s quick thinking and leadership skills.

After the fire was put out, the animals gathered around Oakley and thanked him for saving their lives. Oakley replied, “I did what I had to do. It was my duty to protect my fellow creatures, and I am glad I was able to fulfill it.”

Willow realized the wisdom behind Oakley’s words about the cycle of life and the importance of fulfilling one’s duty.

From that day forward, Willow lived her life with a newfound sense of purpose and meaning. She understood that her existence was a part of a greater cycle, and she was determined to make the most of the time she had.

Years passed, and Willow grew old and eventually passed away. But her energy, her essence, lived on in the forest. Her spirit was felt in the rustling of the leaves, the song of the birds, and the laughter of the children who played in the forest.

And Oakley continued to watch over the forest, knowing that he too was a part of the same cycle of life and death. He remained a steadfast presence in the forest, always ready to guide and protect the creatures who called it home.

The animals of the forest continued to live their lives, knowing that they were a part of something greater than themselves. They understood that life was a cycle, and that their energy and essence would live on even after their physical bodies had passed away.

And so, the forest lived on, filled with the energy and essence of all the creatures who had come before, and all those who would come after. And Oakley continued to stand tall and proud, a wise and ancient presence in the midst of it all.

Bhagavad Gita: 2.12

na tv evāhaṁ jātu nāsaṁ
na tvaṁ neme janādhipāḥ
na caiva na bhaviṣyāmaḥ
sarve vayam ataḥ param

na—never; tu—but; eva—certainly; aham—I; jātu—become; na—never; āsam—existed; na—it is not so; tvam—yourself; na—not; ime—all these; janādhipāḥ—kings; na—never; ca—also; eva—certainly; na—not like that; bhaviṣyāmaḥ—shall exist; sarve—all of us; vayam—we; ataḥ param—hereafter.

Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.