In the story, a young monk troubled by fear seeks guidance from a Zen master. The master instructs him to spend a night alone in a dark forest. Facing the unknown, the monk's fear intensifies but eventually realizes that the forest is not as frightening as he imagined. He understands that his fear was more about his own perceptions than actual danger. The Zen master explains that fear often comes from how our mind perceives and creates stories about potential threats. By confronting and observing fear, the monk learns to see it as an illusion and gains inner peace. The story emphasizes that fear is often a product of our own thoughts and perceptions, and facing it with clarity can lead to greater tranquility.