In a small village, there was a man who wanted to understand the meaning of life. People told him about a wise hermit living on the mountaintop who could help. So, he decided to find the hermit and ask for guidance.

After a long and difficult journey, he reached the top of the mountain and found the wise hermit sitting peacefully under an old tree. With respect, he asked, "O wise one, please tell me how to live my life and find meaning."

The hermit smiled kindly and motioned for the man to sit down. Instead of answering directly, the hermit took out a chessboard and started playing by himself. Move after move, he immersed himself in the game, showing great focus and determination.

The man watched in silence as the hermit completed the game. After putting away the chess pieces, the hermit looked at the man and asked, "What have you learned from this?"

Pondering over the hermit's actions, the man replied, "I learned that life is like a chessboard, and we are the players in this game. Just like you played the game alone, we are ultimately responsible for the moves we make in our lives."

The hermit nodded approvingly. "Exactly," he said. "Life is indeed a solitary journey, and each of us is responsible for our own moves. Just as in chess, we can't control the moves of others, but we can control our responses and choices."

The man felt a sense of enlightenment dawning upon him as he understood the hermit's wisdom. "So, what should be my approach to this game of life?" the man inquired.

The hermit replied, "Cherish the moments you have with others, but don't get too attached. People come and go in our lives, just like players in a game. When the game is over, they will move on. If you hold on tightly to them, you will be trapped in a never-ending cycle of attachment and suffering."

The man listened attentively, grateful for the profound lesson the hermit shared. From that moment on, the man decided to embrace life with a peaceful heart. He understood that he alone had the power to shape his journey. He would cherish the time spent with others and face each challenge with courage, knowing that life was a chessboard where he had to make the best moves he could. And when the time came to part ways with others, he would do so with grace, knowing that it was a part of the natural flow of life.

Filled with gratitude, the man thanked the wise hermit for his guidance. As he descended the mountain, he felt a newfound sense of clarity and purpose. He knew that life was a chessboard, and he was ready to play his part in this beautiful, ever-changing game.