The Three Awakening Notes

Once, there was a terminally ill rich man. Saddened that he would die soon, he went looking for a doctor. he found one living in seclusion and consulted him. after diagnosing his pulse, the doctor said, "To this sickness of tours, there is no cure but one. I've got three notes for you - each describes some actions you must act upon accordingly for before you open the next one."

Upon reaching home, he opened the first note which read, "Please go to a beach, lie down for 30 minutes each time for 21 days."

Although suspicious, the millionaire followed the instruction. Unknowingly, he found himself waking up about two hours later at each visit. As he was always very busy, he had never felt so relaxed and serene. The sense of peace was beyond words; listening to the waves, the chirping of the seagulls, feeling the breeze..

On the 22nd day, he opened the second note that read, "Please find five fishes or shrimps or seashells on the beach each day and put them back into the sea for 21 days."

The millionaire, though still full of doubt, did as instructed. With each fish and little sea creature he put back into the water, he inexplicably sensed compassion arising within him.

Came the 43rd day, the millionaire opened the third note which read, "Please find a branch and feel free to write down on the beach all the thing which caused you dissatisfaction and resentment."

Each time, as soon as the millionaire finished writing his bitterness on the sand, those waves at high tide would wash the words away in no time. He started to cry out loud amidst this sudden epiphany. He returned home and had never felt his entire body so relaxed and comfortable; his mind was calmed to the extent of not even afraid of his impending death.

Moral of the Story: Greed is a poison that leads to self-affliction.

When one has a stable life, one will tend to pursue comfort. Upon achieving a cozy life, one tends to pursue the quest for luxury living. As long as there is endless yearning, unhappiness will dawn upon one. The philosophy of life goes beyond worldly wealth. Learn these three things:

1. Remember to take rest
2. Always give unconditionally
3. Learn to let go

One who treasures everything he has, including the non-material, is the world's richest person.