101.15 The Candle and the Wind

The Candle and the Wind 

In a small, sunlit village, a young seeker approached the New Noble and asked,
"How do I keep my purpose alive in a world full of distraction?" 

The New Noble handed the seeker a single lit candle.
“Carry this,” he said, “through the market at midday. Return with its flame unbroken.” 

The market was alive with movement - merchants calling out prices, children darting between stalls, scents of spice and bread mingling in the air.
The seeker narrowed his gaze to the trembling flame, shielding it from the wind with his hand.
He passed the stalls without stopping, ignoring the laughter, the colors, the music. 

When he returned, the candle was still lit.
The New Noble nodded but asked, “What did you see?” 

“Nothing,” the seeker admitted. “I was too focused on protecting the flame.” 

The New Noble smiled, lit a second candle, and said,
“This time, carry it again - but notice everything.” 

The seeker walked slowly, watching the flame, but also lifting his eyes to see the fabrics dancing in the breeze, the ripe fruit piled high, the old woman singing to her cat, the way the wind swirled dust like golden smoke.
When he returned, the candle still burned, and so did his smile. 

“Now you understand,” said the New Noble.
“Guard your light - your purpose - but not so tightly that you miss the beauty of the world.
Life is not just about keeping the flame alive.
It is about letting its light illuminate the path you walk.”