Education of the Virtuous

In a child's world, seemingly insignificant toys were rare treasures. A piece of candy, a doll, even a tattered newspaper could become some little one's most beloved possession. Many people might not realize that when such treasures were taken away, the anger and pain children felt were no less than those of adults robbed for no reason at all.

That was why the little girl whose magic wand had been taken cried so furiously. Not until... a pale hand forcibly dragged another tiny, reluctant hand before her did her stifled sobbing finally stop.

For within that small palm was a sparkling magic wand, shining brilliantly beneath the sunlight.

The little girl raised her tear-blurred eyes, her gaze filled with astonishment.

She was astonished that her "treasure," thought lost, had returned to her hands. She was also astonished by the tall figure in white robes standing before her. Most of all, she was astonished to see a little boy with his head lowered and cheeks flushed red, unwillingly handing her a magic wand.

"Taking things by force is never the right way to obtain property. When greed drives you to lay hands on something that does not belong to you, what you lose is not merely an honest and kind heart—you also lose the most sincere friendship between companions."

The young man in white gently pushed the little boy, who was trying to avoid the girl's astonished gaze, forward. Smiling kindly but speaking sternly, he bent down and earnestly said to the boy, whose lips were pressed tightly together:

"Hurry and apologize while you still can. Look, you made your companion cry... But it's all right. Everyone is kind by nature. Although you made a mistake, as long as you sincerely repent, you will surely be forgiven."

Gently patting the boy's