Shadow’s Lesson

In the vibrant streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand, lived Krit, a street artist known for his colorful murals and easy charm. Krit enjoyed fame on social media — every stroke of his brush, every new wall he painted, earned him praise and followers. Slowly, he began to paint not from passion, but from pressure. His days were ruled by likes, comments, and chasing trends.



One afternoon, while sitting by the Ping River, Krit met an elderly monk named Phra Somchai, who noticed the artist’s anxious scrolling through his phone.

The monk gently asked, “Why do you look troubled, young one?”

Krit sighed. “I used to paint for joy, but now... it feels like I’m painting only for others. I’m not even sure who I am anymore.”

Phra Somchai pointed to Krit's shadow on the ground. “Look at your shadow. It follows you, but you seem to be following it.”

Krit looked puzzled.

The monk smiled and said, “Do not let your shadow walk you. When you chase your own image in others' eyes, you forget your real self. Walk your path, and let your shadow follow — not the other way around.”

That moment stayed with Krit. He returned to painting, but this time, for the love of the art, not for applause. His work grew even more soulful, and he finally found the peace that fame never gave him.