Part 4/9:

The Relentlessly Negative Soul

The second tale concerned a relentlessly negative villager who constantly found fault in everything around them. A kind-hearted traveler, believing their positivity could make a difference, attempted to uplift the villager through encouragement and kindness. However, the traveler soon discovered that negativity is often infectious, draining energy rather than nurturing it.

“When the traveler consulted the wise teacher, they learned that some individuals are like bottomless vessels — no matter how much positivity you pour in, they cannot hold any.” This realization prompted the traveler to distance themselves not out of lack of compassion, but to preserve their peace, aware that enduring negativity is merely a path to personal depletion.