In a serene Zen monastery, a young monk named Kaito often felt overwhelmed and worthless compared to the older, more accomplished monks. Despite his hard work and dedication, he struggled with feelings of inadequacy, believing he would never reach their level of enlightenment.

One day, the master of the monastery noticed Kaito's distress and decided to teach him a valuable lesson. He gave Kaito a delicate, beautifully crafted cup and instructed him to carry it to the top of a nearby hill. Kaito carefully followed the master’s instructions, but the journey was arduous, and he felt the cup’s fragility weighed heavily on him.

When Kaito reached the top, the master asked him to examine the cup closely. Kaito observed its intricate design and noticed it had a small, nearly imperceptible crack. The master then explained, “This cup is like us. Though it may have a small flaw, it is still valuable and useful. It is not the absence of flaws that defines worth, but the ability to fulfill its purpose despite them.”

Kaito realized that his worth was not determined by comparison to others or by his perceived imperfections. Instead, it was his efforts, intentions, and the value he brought to his path that mattered.

The story teaches that feelings of worthlessness often stem from comparing oneself to others or focusing on flaws. True worth is found in embracing one’s own journey and recognizing that imperfections do not diminish one’s value. It encourages self-acceptance and understanding that everyone has unique contributions to offer, regardless of perceived shortcomings.