Growing up with nature
Long time ago a king told his minister, ``I would like to build a new palace. It will be a wonder of the world. Only one wooden pillar must hold the whole palace.’’
``Your Majesty such a large tree!’’
``Yes send people to the forest to find it,’’ ordered the king.
The forest had many big and tall trees.
There was no way the king’s men could bring a big tree to the city. Not even elephant could help. The king was not pleased.
``Within seven days find and bring the biggest tree from the royal parks,’’ roared.
King’s men went to an old, tall and very big sal tree. It was a very special tree. People prayed to it. They believed the spirit of the tree lived in it. How could they fell?
``O, spirit of the tree, please leaves the tree. We must take it o the city. Our king will have our heads if we don’t,’’ men closed their eyes and prayed.
They heard the leaves and saw the branches move for a long time. Spirit was not going to leave.
``We shall die but not touch you’’, said the king’s men and left the tree alone. That night three –spirit visited the king in his dream.
``O’ king Hear me out. Do not move me. I am very old. Millions have prayed to me. Birds, animals, and insects make their homes on me. Your people enjoy my shade.’’
``Go away. I want my palace. My men shall move you. That’s final,’’ shouted the king. ``Do as you please, O’ king. Please let me make a last wish.’’
``Speak and be off with you!’’ replied the king rudely.
``Cut me in three parts, first my green head, then my middle and last of my entire base.’’
King was surprised ``Why would you want o be in pain three times? Are you mad?’’ he asked.
``O’ great one, many new trees have grown, around me. Some of them are just babies. All these trees are like my children. If you fell in one whole piece, my heavy weight will kill them all. If I am felled in three pieces, some of the trees might in your royal parks,’’ saying this tree-spirit faded away.
At sunrise the king called his minister. ``A Great Spirit lives in the sal tree,’’ he said,’’ do not send it away. Let my palace have a stone pillar,’’ he said.
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