Once, a king wished for a palace supported on only one column unlike the other palaces that were supported by many columns. The builders spotted a strong sal tree in the royal garden whose trunk could be used as a column. But this tree was a sacred tree and worshipped by people. A spirit lived in the tree. The spirit thought, ‘If they cut my tree, the other trees will also be harmed.’ It went to the king and said, “I have lived on this tree for many years. Now, it is to be cut but I request you to cut it in such a way that the other trees will not be harmed if it falls.” The king was taken aback by this humble request. He realised that the tree spirit was ready to sacrifice its tree but did not want any harm to the other trees. He, therefore, cancelled the idea of a new palace.
The Tree Spirit
