Once when I was walking down a road near dusk I happened upon a man standing with his back to a tree lost in thought. I asked him what he pondered. He said he had to save the world with the perfect idea. But first, he had to think of it. He didn't notice when I departed, and yelled a loud goodbye after I was already out of sight.

A while later I came across a woman sitting in deep meditation, looking blissful and radiant. She was so shining that she almost glowed in the near dark. I asked her what she contemplated. She said she had to save herself, and the world too, by realizing the nature of reality and god. She gave me a kindly goodbye as I left and I smiled.

Further down the winding way I met a young man who was writing a letter by candle light, relaxing and sprawled out on the dirt with a blanket. It was getting dark now. I asked him what he was writing about. He said he was just writing to a friend. I asked him if he thought he had to save the world. He said of course, but it was too late for saving, so he wanted to make sure his friend knew he loved them. He didn't say anything when I left. His friends afar had his heart, though it seemed the world, and I, did not.

Many hours later, deep down the path and on into the darkness of the night I came to a great smooth rock overlooking a vast valley, with myriad stars gleaming spectacularly above. On the stone was a woman perched. I could barely even see her silhouette for the darkness. I came to her and sat, and she did not move. I could not see her features, but only two gleaming eyes that pierced the darkness and twinkled strangely. I asked her what she was doing and she made no reply. Then, after a time I asked her another question. I asked her how can the world be saved.

She responded immediately and without any effort. By your hand, she said, and I realized that she was my daughter.