LRJ 3

Moral/ Lessons:
In...
"Muddy Road": Don't dwell on the past; let things go and move forward.
"A Parable": Make best of the moment; be humble.
"Publishing the Sutras": Actions speak louder than words.
"The Thief Who Became the Disciple": Life is more valuable than materials.
"The Taste of Banzo's Sword": Patience is key.

Far from the city, across the river and through the woods, lived a man named Theodore. Theodore adored gardening and farming. Being one with nature was his passion. Ever since he was a young boy, he would name each of his plants and observe their everyday growth. He only ate food from his garden and sold it at the local farmer's market. So when the locals saw an ad for a contest of who can grow the best tomatoes, the townies signed the old man up.

In the heart of the city, where the pollution is at its peak, lived a businessman named Chuck. Chuck believed in simplicity, money and speed. He was trying to popularize a new vegetable growing formula of his. When he saw an ad for a tomato growing contest in a little country town far out of the city, he jumped at the chance.

Many weeks before the contest, Theodore found his favorite patch of soil. He sprinkled the seeds and patted them down with tender hands. He watered the little patch by hand everyday. When he saw a green sprout arise, he began speaking to it with words of appreciation. He nurtured the tomato plant like all the other plants he grew... with tender loving care.

Just days before the grand tomato tasting day, Chuck threw random tomato seeds into a pot. He mixed his mystery growing powder in with the water, pouring it in the pot; almost drowning it. Hours later, the plant sprouted up. The stem was as green as could be, and the tomatoes looked ripe with color. He was already preparing a spot on his wall for the blue ribbon.

On the day of the contest, Theodore picked the tomatoes with care. He congratulated them on their great progress and how proud he was of them. He biked into town with them in a basket, careful not spill them. But he was all of a sudden caught off on the road by a rather large car. Ignoring the dirt the wheels kicked onto him, he continued to ride his way into town.

In town, the contest was hopping with hopeful contestants. Chuck rode up and stomped his way through to his table and plopped down many packets of Instant Growing powder, along with his tomato. Theodore walked to each of the contestants tables and admired their plants. When he came across Chuck's, he complimented the plants color. Chuck uttered a thank you and then attempted to sell him his powder. Theodore replied with a no thank you and went back to his booth to await the judge's decision.

After Theodore won blue ribbon, the town cheered for him. Chuck threw a fit and demanded to know why he did not win. When the judges told him they had to spit out the tomato because the insides were molding, he was in disbelief. He was never able to sell his powders.