The brave young man sought to find for himself something that did not exist on earth, but so that his find would be useful to him and people. He met a gray-haired hermit in the distant mountains and asked him if this dream was feasible. “It is possible,” replied the hermit, “if you follow my advice. You will now enter the cave. You have a serious test ahead of you. You must answer “no” to all questions that are asked of you. And when you hear the main question, then answer: “yes.” If you make a mistake, you will die.” They approached the cave. There was no one there. But as soon as the young man entered inside, a thunderous, authoritative voice immediately rang out: “Do you want eternal youth?” - "No!" – the young man answered, slightly embarrassed. “Do you want the most beautiful girl in the world as your wife?” - "No!" – the young man answered uncertainly, becoming even more embarrassed. “Do you want to become a famous commander?” - "No!" – the young man answered more firmly. “Do you want all the riches of the earth to be yours?” - "No!" – the young man answered adamantly. “Do you want to die for something that does not exist on earth?” - “Yes!” – the young man answered calmly. The earth trembled and a slowly receding muffled groan was heard: “You have defeated me, O man, and from now on I am leaving people...” The young man looked around: there was neither the cave nor the old hermit. He was surrounded by happy young people. “What was it and left?” - asked the young man. "Death!" - they answered him. “..For life has appeared, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you this eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us...” (1 John 1:2). monk Simeon of Athos Mysterious conversations or hidden truths
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru