The Gold in a Soul

The desert wind swirled grains of sand around the old alchemist’s beard as he sat contemplating a golden coin in his weathered palm. “How much is enough?” he murmured, gazing at the vast expanse of dunes stretching before him. The coin, once a symbol of riches, now felt heavy, its weight pressing not just on his hand, but on his soul.

Years ago, driven by the allure of wealth, he had toiled and hoarded, filling his coffers with gold. Yet, the more he acquired, the emptier he felt. His hunger for riches had overshadowed his thirst for knowledge, his passion for life replaced by a constant fear of loss.

One night, a storm engulfed his dwelling, burying his treasures under a mountain of sand. He lost everything, yet he woke strangely light. The storm had washed away the shackles of his obsession, leaving him free to rediscover the true value of things.

Now, under the endless sky, he pondered the questions you pose:

How much to save and spend?

Enough to nourish your body and sustain your journey, but not enough to burden your spirit. Remember, gold cannot buy purpose, love, or laughter.

How much gold under your pillow?

Just enough for a loaf of bread and a dream. Treasure experiences, not possessions.

How much to satisfy hunger?

Just enough to fuel your body, not your greed. True hunger is not just for food, but for knowledge, meaning, and connection.

How many coins for clothing and shelter?

Enough to protect you from the elements, but not to cage you in luxury. Remember, the simplest shelter can offer the greatest solace.

Does anything nourish the soul?

Kindness, compassion, and the pursuit of truth are the true riches that nourish the soul. They cost no gold, yet their value is infinite.

How much gold can one possess without corruption?

Enough to live comfortably, but not enough to rule your life. True wealth lies in contentment, not accumulation. The more you chase gold, the further it drifts from your grasp.

As the alchemist tossed the coin back into the wind, he realized that the answer to your questions wasn’t a number, but a state of mind. True wealth lies not in what you possess, but in what you value. When you find contentment in the simple things, the weight of gold becomes irrelevant, and your soul soars free.

Remember, the desert sand, vast and seemingly empty, holds within it countless jewels waiting to be discovered. Seek them not with your hands, but with your heart, and you will find treasures beyond measure.