Once, a wise master known for his great patience was traveling with his disciple. After a long walk, both were very tired. The master asked the disciple to go to the nearest spring to fetch water while he meditated under a tree.
The disciple took a jug and went to the spring. When he arrived, he found several women also filling their jars. Suddenly, he saw a young woman and became completely enamored. He followed her to her house and asked her father for her hand in marriage. With the father’s and the young woman’s consent, they married.
Time went by—they had three children. The children grew up, and one by one, each got married and moved away. In time, his parents-in-law passed away, and eventually, his wife also died, leaving him alone.
One day, while walking through the town, he stopped by the spring and remembered the master. Immediately, he filled a jug with water and went back to the tree where he had left the master.
When he arrived, he found the master still meditating.
— “Master, I brought the water you asked for,” he said.
The master opened his eyes and replied:
— “You took a while. I was starting to get worried!”
