The Lantern That Led the Blind: A Tale of Light in Darkness

Once, long ago in Japan, people often used paper lanterns.

These lanterns were made with bamboo sticks, and a candle inside gave light.

The paper around the candle helped protect the flame.

One evening, a blind man was visiting his friend.

When it got late, his friend offered him a lantern to take home.

The blind man laughed and said, “Day and night are the same to me. What use do I have for a lantern?”

His friend smiled and replied, “You don’t need it to see; that’s true. But it can help others see you so they don’t bump into you in the dark.”

The blind man thought for a moment, then took the lantern.

He started his walk home, holding the lantern in his hand.

As he walked, someone suddenly bumped into him, almost knocking him over.

“Hey, be careful!” the blind man shouted. “Can’t you see my lantern?”

The stranger, surprised, said, “Brother, your lantern has gone out.”

“You walk more safely in your own darkness than in someone else’s light.”