छायामन्यस्य कुर्वन्ति तिष्ठन्ति स्वयमातपे । फलान्यपि परार्थाय वकृ ्षाः सत्पुरुषा इव ॥

छायामन्यस्य कुर्वन्ति तिष्ठन्ति स्वयमातपे । 

फलान्यपि परार्थाय वकृ ्षाः सत्पुरुषा इव ॥

यह श्लोक संस्कृत में है और इसका अर्थ है:

"जैसे वृक्ष अपने फल दूसरों के लाभ के लिए प्रदान करते हैं, वैसे ही अच्छे व्यक्ति अपने कर्मों और गुणों का उपयोग दूसरों के भले के लिए करते हैं, भले ही वे स्वयं कठिनाइयों और तपस्या में लगे हों।"

यह श्लोक हमें यह सिखाता है कि सज्जन व्यक्ति न केवल अपने लिए, बल्कि दूसरों के भले के लिए भी कार्य करते हैं। वे दूसरों के लिए अपने संसाधनों और प्रयासों को अर्पित करते हैं, जैसे वृक्ष अपने फल दूसरों को देने के लिए उगाते हैं।

So let's have a story to understand it:

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between rolling hills, there was a majestic old tree that stood at the center of the village square. This tree was no ordinary tree; it had witnessed many seasons and had grown strong and tall over the years. Every year, it bore an abundance of fruits—sweet and nourishing. The villagers, young and old, would eagerly wait for the fruits to ripen, knowing that the tree would generously share its bounty.

There was, however, a twist. The tree never consumed its own fruits. Its branches, laden with ripe fruits, extended towards the village, where the villagers could easily reach them. People would come from far and wide to take the fruits, but the tree never took a single one for itself. Despite facing the harsh sun and cold winters, the tree stood strong, giving its fruits to others, providing shade to the weary travelers, and offering a peaceful sanctuary to those in need.

In the same village lived a wise old man named Sanjiv. He was known throughout the village for his kindness and wisdom. Though he lived in humble conditions, he always helped others—whether it was offering food to the hungry, giving advice to the troubled, or supporting those in need without expecting anything in return. The villagers often wondered how Sanjiv could live so selflessly, giving so much of himself without ever asking for anything in return.

One day, a young boy named Arjun approached Sanjiv, curious about his selflessness. "Master," Arjun asked, "why do you give so much of yourself to others, just like that old tree in the village square? You never seem to seek anything for yourself. Don’t you ever wish for something in return?"

Sanjiv smiled and gently patted Arjun on the head. "Just like the tree, my child," he began, "good people serve others without expecting anything in return. The tree doesn’t eat its own fruits because it knows that its purpose is to give. It provides for the villagers and travelers, even if it itself feels the heat of the sun or the cold of the night. It gives because it knows that through giving, it brings joy and nourishment to others. That is what makes it a true blessing."

Sanjiv continued, "As for me, I do not seek anything for myself. My joy comes from seeing others happy and fulfilled. When you give to others selflessly, you not only enrich their lives, but you also find fulfillment within yourself. Life is not about what you take, but about what you give."

Arjun listened intently, his eyes wide with understanding. He thought about the tree and how it stood tall and strong, always giving, never asking. He thought about Raghav and how, just like the tree, he always gave his time, wisdom, and love to the people of the village.

From that day on, Arjun tried to live his life just like the tree and Sanjiv—giving without expecting, sharing without hesitation, and always thinking of others first. And, just as the tree’s fruits nourished the body, Sanjiv’s wisdom nourished the heart, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed their paths.

The villagers, too, were inspired by this selfless giving. They began to realize that the true essence of life lay in helping others, just as the tree had shown them. And thus, the village became a place of love, compassion, and selflessness, where everyone gave to each other freely, just like the fruits of the tree—without expectation and with pure joy.

The moral of the story is that true fulfillment and happiness come from selflessly giving to others without expecting anything in return. Just like the tree that provides its fruits for the benefit of others, we should also share our time, resources, and kindness with others, enriching their lives and finding joy in selfless service.