When his vision returned to normal

the sand of the plaza. Something bright reflected from his chest with such intensity that the boy was

momentarily blinded. With a movement that was too quick for someone his age, the man covered

whatever it was with his cape. When his vision returned to normal, the boy was able to read what the old

man had written in the sand.

There, in the sand of the plaza of that small city, the boy read the names of his father and his mother and

the name of the seminary he had attended. He read the name of the merchant's daughter, which he hadn't

even known, and he read things he had never told anyone.

I'm the king of Salem, the old man had said.

Why would a king be talking with a shepherd the boy asked, awed and embarrassed.

For several reasons. But let's say that the most important is that you have succeeded in discovering your

destiny

The boy didn't know what a person's destiny was.

It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their

destiny is.

At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream,

and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes

mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny

None of what the old man was saying made much sense to the boy. But he wanted to know what the

mysterious force was; the merchant's daughter would be impressed when he told her about that!

It's a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your destiny. It prepares

your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is

that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the

universe. It's your mission on earth.

Even when all you want to do is travel Or marry the daughter of a textile merchant

Yes, or even search for treasure. The Soul of the World is nourished by people's happiness. And also

by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation. All things

are one.

And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

They were both silent for a time, observing the plaza and the townspeople. It was the old man who

spoke first.

Why do you tend a flock of sheep

Because I like to travel.