Meher and Adil are a hard-working couple. At the end of a particularly challenging day, Adil recounts the story about the ‘Kalpvriksha Tree’, the divine wish-fulfilling tree – how anyone who sat under this celestial tree could have their wish fulfilled. Meher is fascinated. That night Meher has a dream: she’s standing under the most beautiful, golden tree, and feels strangely calm and peaceful. The tree asks, “You wanted to see me? What is your wish?” Meher musters courage and asks, “Would you grant me anything I ask for?” “Of course! But take your time and think carefully as you can’t retract your wish.” Meher feels something pulling her back and wakes up with a start. At breakfast she asks Adil, if given a chance to make one wish what would it be?

What would you ask for if you were Adil?

Financial Security? You could have a lavish wedding, a huge house, amazing holidays, branded clothes and rub shoulders with glitterati. A dream job? Satisfaction, an awesome package and power could all be yours. An amazing relationship? You could have the partner of your dreams, who understands and accepts you, is your greatest support, and one who brings you joy and happiness. Optimal health? A fit and healthy body and a good emotional and mental state. Good looks? You could impress people and be sought after. Intelligence and wit? These would make you a force to reckon with on every front! The list is long. The more qualities we possess, the more we can move ahead in life.

Meher and Adil tried playing the devil’s advocate. Financial security was great, but would it guarantee them happiness? King Midas asked for the golden touch and see where it left him! And what good is a job without a partner, or a partner without good health? Good looks could give rise to vanity or leave one open to exploitation. Intelligence was great but what if it triggered arrogance, pride or jealousy. What one thing would guarantee a good life?

Just then Adil’s mother enters the room and is asked the same question. Pilloo aunty thinks for a moment and smiles. Her answer proves to be both insightful and thought provoking.

That night, Meher finds herself under the tree again. “Well, have you decided?” asks the tree. “My mother-in-law impressed upon us the difference between wants and needs,” answered Meher. She touched the trunk and looking up at the tall branches said, “I choose wisdom.” There follows a long moment of silence. “I’m surprised and delighted at your choice. Over the ages I have seen powerful civilizations evolve and crumble. Wrong choices driven by impulsiveness, greed, power, money and control. All because wants overpowered needs. If only they had the wisdom to look ahead, think and make appropriate choices, leading to purposeful action and fruitful consequences. You have understood the very essence of life. Your wish is granted!” said the tree.” “Wait!” Meher exclaimed. “How do I know this is real and not a dream? She feels a small leaf drop onto her palm.

Meher wakes up with a start, sweating. The clock ticks softly and Adil turns in his sleep. Something has shifted inside. Next morning when she gets out of bed, she sees a little leaf near her pillow. She tells Adil what happened. He is nonplussed, especially after seeing the leaf. Meher hugs her pleasantly surprised mother-in-law. The couple realize how limiting and myopic their wishes had been.

Wisdom provides the understanding that oversees the entire gamut of your actions, thoughts and words. It offers the ability to balance different areas of your life, and shares deeper meaning and insight. It helps you imbibe an ethical, just, practical and impartial attitude. Most of all it gives you the power to think and come up with ways to achieve your goals, so long as you remain committed and dedicated to the cause.

A healthy lifestyle will lead to fitness on all levels. Choosing an appropriate job and working hard will put one in a position of power. Saving, investing and sensible spending can get one a better home. Life is a carefully stitched fabric of emotions and wishes. You can pull out some threads and sew some tears. The foundation abides. The new home, better job, looking good – all this is yours for the taking, as long as you know when to do what, how and when.

We all have the power to manifest our wishing tree, right where we are. So long as it is a positive, appropriate, balanced and harmonious wish, it will manifest. If not, perhaps the universe has something better in mind for you!