Maya

He discovered that seeking equanimity and balance does not mean dealing with opposing forces. It means rising above them all.

Up until several months ago, he spent ages trying to drug himself into a stupor that would block reality and permit deceit. Yet, the sweet smell of truth somehow made it's way to his nostrils. It had missed the deadline by months, and was no longer needed. Yet, he reacted .. badly.

At first, he scanned his wishlist to see what had become of his request for a little kindness, and realized that he had allowed self-deception to lead him down the wrong path.

Then, he asked for a little knowledge, but he received understanding. He still didn't know any better.

He asked for some water to slake his thirst, but received a bowlful of sand. He was no longer hungry.

He asked for a lighter burden, but developed a stronger back.

The writing was on the wall, but it was in Chinese. He learnt a little mandarin on the way.

Now, he gets the joke.

Quaerendo Invenietis