Once upon a time there lived a young man, and it so happened that his parents died one after another. His brothers moved to other lands to earn money, and he was left completely alone in this world. He had a lot of questions, but most of all the young man was worried about how to live his life? He consulted with people, but he did not trust their advice: all these people were just complaining about life, but they themselves did not know how to live correctly. The young man heard about a hermit in the mountains and went to him. Whether it was a long or short walk, he finally came to the hermit and asked him: “Tell me, hermit, can I find happiness on earth? Yes or no? If yes, then I will return to my city, and if no, then what should I do?” But the hermit sat silently, not answering a word. The young man asked his question three times, but never received an answer. Sighing, the young man bowed to the hermit and wandered away, not knowing what to do. Suddenly he heard a man catching up with him, who told him the following: “The hermit told me to catch up with you and tell you that you will receive the answer to your question in three years at the bazaar of your city.” The young man was amazed at this message, but, having nothing to do, went home. Three years passed, the young man completely forgot what the hermit said. By chance he walked into the market and saw a crowd of people gathered, animatedly talking among themselves. Coming closer to them, he heard people talking about a hermit being killed in the mountains. Shortly before this, a robber known for his viciousness carried out a raid on a caravan with cargo with his gang. The guards repulsed the attack and killed all the robbers on the spot. Only the leader of the robbers escaped. Terribly angry, he ran into the hermit’s cave and shouted: “Answer immediately, is there happiness on earth? Yes or no? If “yes”, you will remain alive, and if “no”, your head will immediately fly off your shoulders!” And the hermit told him the following: “There is only one answer to your question: There is no happiness in this world!” The angry robber immediately killed him. Hearing this sad story, the young man understood what answer the hermit had in mind. The young man distributed his property to the poor and without looking back went to the mountains. Soon a rumor spread that a new hermit had appeared in the mountains... Source: Simeon of Athos Ascent to Heaven
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru