Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Jai and the Luminous Princess

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Starting point is 00:01:06 Essential resources responsibly produced. It's happening now at BHP, a future resources company. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. we relax and we get sleepy. My name is Thomas and it's my honor to be your host. Tonight a reef will be transporting you to a land long ago and far away with a sleepy retelling of an enchanting folk tale that originated in India. It has all the best elements of a bedtime story, including young love, an adventurous quest and a fanciful dose of magic. Thanks so much to Alicia Steffen for writing this one. If you love listening to Get Sleepy, but you'd rather do so without hearing any ads, why

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Starting point is 00:03:09 Visit GetSleepy.com slash support or follow the link in the show notes to learn more. Thank you all so much. Now then, let's settle in, unwind and prepare for a good night's sleep. As you lie in bed, close your eyes if you haven't already done so and just begin to slow down your breathing. Find a pace that is comfortable for you, allowing you to relax more deeply and to release any excess tension or energy from your body. Sense yourself falling into the natural soothing rhythm of rest. This is the time when your body can completely relax, when your mind can switch off from its problem solving activity and everything can recharge for tomorrow. There is nothing to do in this moment. Your only priority is to let go and relax.

Starting point is 00:05:13 You don't even need to put any effort reef's voice, knowing that our story will provide a calm and dreamy place for you to rest. We're off to meet Prince Jai, the son of a wealthy and powerful Raja. He's grown up in his parents' palace in the lap of luxury, but he's soon to hear about a treasure that will make it worthwhile to leave the safety of home. This is where our story begins. Long ago, in the beautiful lands of India, there lived a handsome prince named Jai. Even for the son of Araja, he was very lucky, because he grew up in a beautiful white marble palace that was surrounded on all sides by lush forests. He was an only child, and his mother, the Rani, doted on him shamelessly. Even though his father sometimes tried to be stern with him, his mother could never deny her son anything he wanted for very long.

Starting point is 00:07:33 The prince had the finest in everything. His tutors were the wisest in the country. Naturally, he was outfitted at all times in the richest clothing money could buy, and he never lacked for any playthings he wanted. As he grew to be a young man, the privilege extended to the most expensive horses and the best weapons the craftsmen of the realm could make. A young prince, after all, had to learn to manage a bow, even if he was unlucky to ever see battle. Without any brothers or sisters to entertain him, entertain him. Jai often spent his free time playing in the forest. He enjoyed tracking down the rich variety of animals who lived there and observing them. Although he took his bow and arrow with him, he never had the heart to do any hunting. It was not necessary for him, and he wasn't really interested in it.

Starting point is 00:08:56 Although she didn't like to have him out of her sight, his mother allowed him more and more freedom as he matured. As he grew, he eventually had the run of almost all the territory surrounding the palace. That is, with one major exception. major exception. By his parents' decree, he was allowed to roam the forest to the north, the forest to the east, and the forest to the south. However, he was not to explore the western region of the kingdom.

Starting point is 00:09:53 Although they did not explain why, his parents had a very specific reason. The western part of their land bordered on the eastern edge of the mysterious kingdom of the legendary Princess Lubbum, whose glowing beauty was known from coast to coast. Her father the King was a recluse, and his palace was hidden deep inside his territory. Many young men had set off in search of the Princess Lubbem, never to return. The Raja and the Rani knew that their headstrong young son was yearning for love and adventure. strong young son was yearning for love and adventure. They could not bear the thought of him attempting such an impossible quest and leaving them forever. By forbidding him to traverse the border of Princess Lubbam's kingdom. They felt they could keep him from ever hearing about the lovely maiden, let alone getting

Starting point is 00:11:12 the idea to pursue her. Their plan worked beautifully for many years. One bright morning, shortly after Jai's 18th birthday, he took his bow and ventured into the forest to find some excitement. As usual, Jai was not terribly interested in hunting, but he always had his bow with him because he liked to think that he might encounter some sort of mild and interesting peril. He rather hoped he would because he felt it would be a nice change from his everyday life of dull safety at the palace.

Starting point is 00:12:13 The sun was shining, and the birds were singing in the treetops. It was a lovely day. He found his spirits were quite high at first. But as the morning dragged on and he walked the same trails he'd seen a thousand times, he became dejected. It seemed there was nothing new for him to find. There wasn't any secret there for him to discover or any puzzle for him to solve. As he trudged onward, he became aware that he was traveling the border of the forbidden Western Forest. Knowing he was on the verge of disobedience, he at first told himself he wouldn't cross the line into that quarter of the land. Then, as he reached the place he knew to be the border, he told himself nobody would be the wiser if he just explored a little further than usual.

Starting point is 00:13:40 As he delved deeper and deeper into this uncharted portion of his father's territory, he soon gave up the ruse and acknowledged to himself that he was breaking the rules on purpose. After all, there was really nothing about this part of the land that was any different from the other three areas of the kingdom. What a silly rule it was, he thought. He would go where he liked and never tell anyone. He was startled from his reverie by a wild flapping of wings.

Starting point is 00:14:29 Looking up into the sun-dabbled branches, he saw a flock of parrots. Then he heard one of their fellows calling to them. He saw that it was the largest, most colorful parrot of all, and he knew it was there, Raja. Come back here, the parrot said to the others. Protect me from this hunter, or I will tell the Princess Lubbam what you have done." Jai reassured the parrot that he had no intention of hunting any birds. The prince then looked at his bow, shrugging, and admitted he only carried it in case he needed to protect himself.

Starting point is 00:15:36 Hearing this, the flock of parrots slowly returned to their perches around their majestic leader. The Raja parrot peered at Jai closely. Then he asked the young prince what he was doing in the western forest. Jai said that he was looking for an adventure. And on that topic, who was the Princess Lubbem? At this question, the flock of parrots began to chatter. How could this human not have heard of the legendary, luminous princess who was adored throughout the kingdom? The Raja parrot told Jai that the Princess Lubbam was the only child of the neighboring

Starting point is 00:16:27 king and queen. Her beauty was so great that she cast an ethereal glow all around her. Her presence was so bright that she only came outside at night, bright that she only came outside at night, because she made the daytime too blinding with her loveliness. The prince was transfixed by this tale. As his parents had feared, he knew immediately that he would not be able to rest until he found this beautiful girl. But when he asked the parrot how to get to her, the entire flock cawed and laughed at him. Many men had tried to find the Princess Lubbem and failed, they told him. Her father kept her guarded at a magnificent secret palace, deep inside their kingdom, and no suitor had yet succeeded in winning her hand. Sizing up young Jai, they obviously felt he would not be up to the task.

Starting point is 00:17:53 Their scoffing did not deter him. The young prince marched straight home, planning to set off on his search immediately. This was the adventure he had been seeking. When Jai returned home, he confidently informed the Raja and the Rani of his intentions. His mother and father were not altogether pleased. Had they not forbidden Jai from entering the western forest? However, it had happened, and there was nothing to be done about it. be done about it. Their son had heard of the elusive Princess Lubbem, and Jai was sure that he would be able to find her.

Starting point is 00:18:56 Seeing that there was little they could do to prevent his departure, the royal couple tried to prepare him for the journey as best they could. His father ordered that their best horse be saddled for Jai. His mother oversaw the selection of his travel clothes and made sure he was provided with what crucial supplies he could carry. When the prince was ready to leave, his mother gave him three gifts. The first was a purse full of coins, so that he might buy whatever provisions he could not carry with him.

Starting point is 00:19:46 The second was her most beautiful shawl, so that he would never be cold at night. Lastly, she gifted him a beautiful yellow sapphire ring. As Jai closed his hand around the sparkling gem, his mother said that if he did find the princess, she wanted him to have a proper gift for her. The prince was moved by his parents' gifts, and he thanked them for their loving kindness and their generosity. As Jai sat off on his regal horse, he was filled with confidence and excitement. Riding straight into the western forest, this time without any secrecy, he made his way directly toward the next kingdom.

Starting point is 00:20:55 He did not know where to begin searching for the princess, but he hoped that he would be able to gather some information on his journey. Although there was no wall or visible border, Jai sensed the very moment that he crossed into another kingdom for the first time in his life. another kingdom for the first time in his life. Somehow, the birds sang differently. The trees whispered more mysteriously. The light was more playful. He could feel that this realm was more under the influence of magic than his own. As he followed a lightly-worn path in the direction of the early afternoon sun, he met nobody.

Starting point is 00:21:56 The clip-clop echo of his own horse's hooves was the only sound that was not native to the forest. But nature was alive around him. The jungle fowl squawked from the cool shadows, spotted deer frolicked in the thick underbrush and dashed away from his path. Occasionally, he heard the distant chattering of monkeys in the treetops. Other than progressing deeper and deeper into the heart of this strange new territory, Deeper and deeper into the heart of this strange new territory, nothing remarkable happened to him, as he rode throughout the latter part of the day. When the golden hour approached and the sun was very low in the sky, he heard quarrelsome voices drifting toward him. Curious to find the source of the commotion, but not wanting to reveal himself,

Starting point is 00:23:14 he dismounted and led his horse quietly onward. As the voices grew louder, he could tell that it was numerous men, and that they were involved in some sort of disagreement. He soon saw a clearing off to the side of the road, where four fakirs were carrying on. Jai knew that fakirs were meant to be mystical holy men dedicated to a simple life. However, these four were not behaving in a dignified way. Seeing that they were unarmed with few possessions, he stepped into view and revealed himself,

Starting point is 00:24:11 asking to know why they were disturbing the peace in the forest. The four men turned to Jai, simultaneously waving their arms and gesturing at a few items lying around on the ground. They were all talking over each other, so it took him a few moments to piece together their story. However, he soon figured out that their master and teacher had recently passed. In doing so, he had left behind his four magical items. The first, a bed, would carry the owner anywhere he wished to go. The second, a wonderful bowl, would produce any type of food or drink that the owner wanted. The third item, a large rope, could trap and subdue enemies.

Starting point is 00:25:25 And the last item, an ordinary-looking stick, could reach things that normally might not be touched by men. The fakirs were now trying to decide who would become the master of their group, inheriting these items for himself. Each of the four wished to lay claim to that title. Jai had a low opinion of this group, who appeared to be greedy tricksters who appeared to be greedy tricksters rather than humble, holy men. He told them that he would devise a test for them, and that the man who completed the test first would become the master.

Starting point is 00:26:28 Grumbling at the unfairness of the entire situation, the four men agreed, as each one of them felt he himself would surely win. In fact, they all had rather high opinions of their abilities. Jai took his bow and four arrows from the saddle of his horse. He told the fakirs that he would shoot four arrows into the woods in different directions. As he was quite practiced in archery, he assured them that the arrows would not be easy to track down. The first fakir to bring him any one of the arrows, he said, would be the master. Agreeing to the terms, the four men readied themselves for flight. The four men readied themselves for flight.

Starting point is 00:27:30 Jai then let each of four arrows loose in different directions. They soared fast and true, disappearing into the canopy of the forest. Like lightning, the fakirs vanished. As soon as he could no longer hear the four men dashing through the undergrowth, Jai picked up the stick, the rope, and the bowl, placing them on the bed. He then took his traveling items and his bow and arrows from his horse. Standing in front of his trusty mount, he bade the animal farewell. He knew that his steed would easily find its way home to a warm stable and a full meal. He sat on the bed with his possessions safely surrounding him.

Starting point is 00:28:37 Then, as a last-minute concession to the four men he had cheated, he placed his bag of coins on the ground for them to find. After all, he told himself, they were not good men, but he should not make himself a thief in any case. With his conscience soothed, he said, "'Bed, take me to the outer reaches of Princess Lubbam's palace.'" His command worked instant magic. The bed lurched slightly as it levitated. He grabbed the sides just in time to balance himself as it soared upwards, deftly maneuvering its way between the leafy green trees.

Starting point is 00:29:34 The dense foliage soon formed a lush carpet beneath him. He gazed over the side of the bed in wonder, the wind blowing across him as the forest sped by. Jai felt like a bird, wondering at the distant features of the landscape. In one place, a clearing revealed an abandoned temple, crumbling and covered with moss. In others, silvery rivers wound through the vegetation, glowing in the early evening twilight. Jai didn't know how far he had gone. It seemed like a long way, when the bed began to slow its pace and gradually descend. He soon found himself sinking between the branches of the trees,

Starting point is 00:30:44 where the bed landed lightly on the ground and was still. Looking around him, the prince could see that he was on a fairly well-worn trail. He knew he must be near a village. He rolled up his bed with the stick inside and put the rope and the bowl in his travel bag. Then he tucked his bedroll under his arm and started walking. The moon was rising as he continued his journey. The moon was rising as he continued his journey. In this sparser area of the forest, it lit the way for him generously. As he had suspected, it was not long before he came upon a humble little house

Starting point is 00:31:48 with a thatched roof and a goat wandering around the yard. Since night had arrived, Jai knew he needed to find shelter. He was sure he could convince this villager to let him stay if he offered sufficient enticement. He knocked confidently on the front of the hut and called out to ask if anyone was home. After a few moments, the door opened slightly, and he saw the eyes of an elderly woman peering at him from inside. Good evening, Auntie, he began. I am a weary and honorable traveler, and I was hoping I could lodge here for the night. and I was hoping I could lodge here for the night."

Starting point is 00:32:52 The woman opened the door just far enough to show him that she was shaking her head. "'I cannot,' she said, for the king has forbidden all his subjects to give lodgings to any man who might be seeking his daughter, Princess Lubbem. Chai was now keener than ever to stay the night there, as he knew he had found the right place. He put on his most charming smile, for it was rather dazzling, and said, If you can please just keep me secretly for the night, I will provide you with fresh water and a very hearty dinner.

Starting point is 00:33:40 This offer appealed to the woman. She found the walk to the nearest freshwater to be very taxing in her old age. Squinting thoughtfully, she slowly pulled the door open. She told Jai that he might stay the night, but that he had to leave quietly in the morning before it was light. Chai gratefully entered the hut. After placing his bedroll where the woman indicated, he pulled his bowl from his travel bag. Holding it in front of him, he said,

Starting point is 00:34:26 "'Bowl, give me fresh water.'" As the woman looked on, amazed, the bowl filled with fresh, cold water. The woman provided two cups, and he filled them both. He also poured more water into an empty cooking pot for her to use later. Then he said, Bull, give me a delicious and hearty dinner. Immediately, delicate, perfectly cooked rice appeared. When he had poured it onto the two plates the woman had placed before him, the bowl

Starting point is 00:35:15 filled again. This time it was overflowing with a variety of colorful, warm vegetables. His host was delighted by the feast, and they ate by the fire in companionable silence. As they began readying themselves for sleep, an unearthly white light started streaming in the small window of the hut. With a little sigh, the elderly lady went to the window and pulled a heavy curtain over it. Jai asked her what could possibly be so bright out there at this time of night in the woods. The woman responded that it was the sparkling aura cast by Princess Lubbem. Hearing this, the prince recalled what the parrots had told him, and he knew,

Starting point is 00:36:27 called what the parrots had told him, and he knew, at this very moment, the princess sat on the roof outside her room, illuminating the countryside. Seeing that the prince was not used to the bright evening glare, the elderly woman reassured him that the princess always went back into her room at midnight, and it would soon be dark again. Lying on his bedroll, the prince came up with a plan. When the light disappeared from the cracks of the curtain at midnight, he silently got up. Taking the bowl and his bedroll, he crept outside. Then he readied himself for flight, and whispered, Bed, take me to the bedroom of Princess Lubbem." Just as it had before, the bed quickly rose into the sky.

Starting point is 00:37:35 The forest was dark below him, but he could see that he was sailing over the walls of the royal residence. Beautifully landscaped gardens whooshed by beneath him. Then, in moments, the bed was landing on the roof of the lavish palace, outside an open bedroom window. Taking his bowl with him, he slipped inside. There, in the moonlight, he could see the lovely Princess Lubbem, slumbering peacefully on a bed, piled high white pillows, and a silk coverlet. Even though he had heard the stories, he was stunned by her delicate beauty. He knelt quietly by her bed and thought about what small gift would please the princess in the morning. He had the idea to offer beetle leaf,

Starting point is 00:38:49 which would be refreshing for her to enjoy in the morning. He whispered, large pile of beetle leaf. The bull fulfilled his request immediately, nearly overflowing with this small treat. He scattered piles of it near her bed. Then he stole out of the window again, using his magical conveyance to deliver him back to the hut in the forest, where his host was still sleeping. The next morning, the Princess Lubbem awakened to find her servants contentedly chewing on the beetle leaf. Where did you get all of this? She asked them in confusion.

Starting point is 00:39:50 They shrugged and told her it had been scattered near her bed. The princess was very surprised to hear this, having no clue how it might have gotten there. to hear this, having no clue how it might have gotten there. Meanwhile, back at the forest hut, Jai pressed the old woman to let him stay at her house for another night. She refused, reminding him that the king would have her thrown in prison if they were found out. But Jai was persistent, and he was able to convince her by promising more fresh water and a dinner even more filling than the last. Persuaded by this offer, the woman agreed to let Jai remain.

Starting point is 00:40:54 When evening came, Jai once again used his bowl to produce fresh water, followed by fragrant dishes made of rice and meat. The woman ate until she couldn't swallow another bite, and then the same routine ensued. At nightfall, the bright light from Princess Lubbem filled the window. The woman pulled the curtains so that she and Jai might close their eyes undisturbed. Then Jai snuck out of the house again at midnight and used the magic bed to travel to Princess Lubbam's room once again. On this visit, he had brought a more lavish gift. this visit, he had brought a more lavish gift. Opening his travel bag and kneeling by her bed, he draped his mother's beautiful shawl over her while she slept, admiring how fine it looked next to her lovely face. Delighted to think how she would marvel at this extravagant present, Jai then slipped

Starting point is 00:42:09 back out the window and disappeared again, returning to the hut in the woods. On the third day, the old woman seemed to already be secretly hoping he would offer another fine dinner. She did not protest very hard when Jai asked for another night's shelter. In return, he laid out a sumptuous meal. Not only were there rice, vegetables, and meat dishes, but he also got the bowl to make a pile of sweets and cakes. He and his host feasted until they could eat no more.

Starting point is 00:43:10 Indeed, the elderly lady was so full of rich food that she fell asleep before the Princess Lubbam's light filled the window, leaving Jai to complete the evening routine on his own. Of course, soon after midnight, Jai arrived at Princess Lubbam's room again. This time, however, the princess was not truly asleep. Having awakened that morning to yet another gift in her room, she knew that something strange was going on. Instead of slumbering peacefully after midnight, she laid in her bed with her eyes closed. But she was not slumbering. Rather, she was waiting to see who would appear before her.

Starting point is 00:44:07 Her wait was longer than she expected. However, just as she was unwittingly drifting off, she felt someone slipping a ring on her finger. Sitting up in bed, she opened her eyes to see Jai kneeling by her bedside. Looking at her hand, she saw that he had given her the sparkling yellow sapphire. It was the very one his mother had made him take with him on his journey. As she was exactly the right age to appreciate a handsome young prince, and she was rather dazzled by his bravery and his gifts, the princess was very taken with Jai. They had an instant understanding between them, and spent the entire night talking together. By morning, the princess was determined to ask her father if they could wed.

Starting point is 00:45:17 Jai soon found himself standing in the throne room of the palace with Princess Lubbem, as her father glared at him from his imposing royal seat. When the princess had made her arguments, the Raja stared at Chai for a moment and then spoke. and then spoke. In order to prove that you are no ordinary prince, you will have to complete three difficult tasks which I will set for you. If, and here the Raja paused dramatically for emphasis, you managed to pass all three tests. You will win the hand of my treasured daughter." Jai allowed himself to appear happy at this news,

Starting point is 00:46:17 but his confidence only annoyed her father, who leaned in and added this. her father, who leaned in and added this, Should you fail any of these three tests, I will imprison you. The princess looked sidelong at Jai, perhaps nervous that he would back out. However, Jai was infused with love and the confidence of youth, and he was quite sure he could complete any task that was set to him. He told the king he was ready to begin. Jai was given a horse and a guide, and sent out into the forest with instructions. He was to be taken to an abandoned temple, where there were two ghost warriors lurking. These ghosts had roamed the forest for many years, and the villagers had had enough.

Starting point is 00:47:30 The king wanted Jai to defeat them. The king was very smug, sending his daughter's upstart suitor into the woods in this manner. Other skilled princes had failed at this task, and he did not expect Jai to do any better. He would soon be rid of him, the king thought. When Jai and the guide arrived at the crumbling temple, the young prince dismounted. The guide arrived at the crumbling temple. The young prince dismounted. The air was chilled. The stone temple was only partially standing, and it was overgrown with vines. Here and there, dark doorways yawned wide. Even the monkeys seemed to steer clear, keeping their chatter at from the faraway trees. The guide seemed to feel the eeriness, for he quickly turned and retreated into the woods at a safe distance. Left to his own devices,

Starting point is 00:48:48 Jai walked toward the mouth of the temple. Before he could enter, two enormous specters emerged, clad in old-fashioned armor. With a swirl of cold air, they converged on him. He drew his bow and fired two arrows at them, but these flew right through their bodies, as if they were no more than fog. Then, as the ghosts approached him, he had an idea. Reaching into his travel bag, he pulled out the magical rope. He held it out and said, Rope, restrain my enemies. restrain my enemies." The magical fibers immediately began to glimmer, and the rope flew into the air of its own accord, dropping in a neat circle around the two warriors.

Starting point is 00:49:56 Then, as quick as a wink, it tied them tightly together. Struggle as they might, they could not break free. After a howl of indignation, they vanished into the ether with a flash. The rope returned to its normal color and dropped lifeless to the ground. Chai had passed the first test. The monkeys seemed to cheer in jubilation. The king was a bit put out that he wasn't yet rid of Chai, but he was confident the next demand would do him in. As the prince stood confidently before him in the throne room, the king spoke of a kettle drum that hung in the sky.

Starting point is 00:51:07 It was rumored that he who could beat the kettle drum would be blessed with great longevity and success. But the magical drum eluded all who attempted to reach it. Even those who had found a way to fly up to it in the sky had found it constantly dancing out of their reach. The king dearly wished to hear this kettle drum, but nobody had yet succeeded. As he was listening to the king's description of the drum, Jai already knew that he had a plan. Backing respectfully out of the throne room, he retrieved his bed and sat upon it with his travel bag. Then he said, "'Bed, take me to the magic kettle drum.'" And as always, the bed swiftly complied.

Starting point is 00:52:15 Jai looked down as the beautiful Princess Lubbem got smaller and smaller underneath him, hopefully waving her hand in farewell. Up he soared, above the clouds, and Jai soon saw the fabled drum levitating in the air. The bed approached it, but just when it seemed Jai might get in a good bang with his hand, the enchanted drum slyly moved just out of his reach. After three or four attempts at this, Chai knew what he needed to do. He pulled the magic stick from where it was tied to his back. Then he reached out with it, saying,

Starting point is 00:53:11 Stick, beat the kettle drum. The ordinary-looking piece of wood shimmered a copper color and sprang to life, shimmered a copper color and sprang to life, pulling Jai behind it. As sure as can be, it bridged the distance between the prince and his quarry, and the rich sound of the drum was soon echoing throughout the sky. Jai had passed the second test and, furthermore, he believed he now possessed longevity and good luck. Surely, he thought, that would please the king. Princess Lubbam's father, however, was very stubborn. He wasn't ready to give up the pleasure of his daughter's company, even to a prince with

Starting point is 00:54:14 such clever magical items. Luckily, he thought, he had one final and impossible task. He chuckled to himself to think of how Jai would be unable to complete it. There is an ancient tree in the corner of our garden, the king said. It is as thick as a man is tall. Take this axe and fell it all by yourself. You must do this by sundown. Jai was feeling optimistic about this task until a servant handed him the hatchet he was to use. The blade was made of wax.

Starting point is 00:55:12 Before the king could assign a servant to show him the way, Princess Lubbam interjected that she would take Jai to the tree herself. Her father nodded agreeably, assuming that she knew this was the last time she would be able to see her ill-fated suitor. Jai walked out of the throne room. How would he pull off this final task?" Once in the hallway, however, Princess Lubbem squeezed his arm encouragingly and whispered that she had something to give him. Taking him out into the courtyard, she pulled a single shining hair from her long, raven-colored locks. She said,

Starting point is 00:56:11 "...Gently run this over the blade of your axe," she said. "...It will work an enchantment and allow you to cut the tree." Jai's heart filled with joy, and he took the precious strand gratefully. He knew that the beauty of the Princess Lubbam was otherworldly, and he felt confident that her heartfelt gift would save him. that her heartfelt gift would save him. The princess walked hand in hand with him through the shady paths of the courtyard, until they came to a truly impressive old tree. Although it had once been grand, the tree was no longer alive, and Jai could see why the king would want to take it down.

Starting point is 00:57:10 Still, even with a sharp axe, it was hard to imagine achieving this without help. Jai took a deep breath and hoped fervently for good fortune. Holding the hatchet in one hand, he stretched the long dark hair from one finger to another and gently pulled it across the blade, saying, Please become sharp and help me fell this ancient tree. Jai's heart was filled with happiness when he felt the axe vibrate and saw it shimmer ever so slightly. It was as if it had taken on a new life force. Princess Lubbem stepped back, her hands folded together. As she watched, Jai began to swing at the tree.

Starting point is 00:58:21 The axe cut into the dead wood deeply. In fact, there was no doubt that it was working under an enchantment, for it proceeded to fell the enormous tree in only a few heavy swings. When Jai dealt the last blow, he quickly stepped away to wait with his beloved princess. They watched together with relief as the old tree trembled and went up to the heavens, and Jai turned and beamed at his future bride. He had passed the third test, and they would be wed. The king had to admit defeat, for he was a grouchy old man, but he was also an honorable one. He reasoned with himself that it was best for his daughter to marry the son of a neighbor anyway, and a boy with magic items was a better suitor than most. In fact, Jai very cleverly won his future father-in-law over

Starting point is 00:59:55 by making a gift to him of the rope and the stick. Armed with these delightful new toys, the king was soon in a much better mood. Jai kept the marvelous bed, because he had promised Princess Lubbam's father she could use the magical conveyance to come home and visit regularly. to come home and visit regularly. But Jai hadn't forgotten his generous auntie in the forest, who let him stay there for three nights at her own peril. To her, he gave the wondrous bowl.

Starting point is 01:00:43 She received it very gratefully, for she had no desire to haul water or cook food for herself anymore. As for Jai, he knew he was blessed with longevity and good fortune, thanks to the Keteldrum. And wasn't that the greatest gift of all? Jai's mother and father met him joyfully upon his return, and welcomed his lovely new bride with open arms. Of course, his mother spoiled both of them terribly over the wedding, making sure that every detail was perfect, and that he and his bride had nothing but the finest in food and attire.

Starting point is 01:01:40 At her son's request, she even allowed the parrots from the forest to attend the celebrations. After all, without them, he never would have even dared to leave home. You might find yourself wondering about the four quarrelsome fakirs in the forest. As it happened, Jai didn't ever see them again. However, he hoped that they had divided his coins evenly amongst themselves and that they were living harmoniously. Luckily, although she left her own kingdom after the nuptials, the Princess Lubbam still did not deprive her subjects of their comforting early evening light in the sky. In fact, Jai's palace was so very tall that her luminous beauty lit the night both near

Starting point is 01:02:53 and far. So even though she had traveled away from home, her father, the king, home, her father, the king, could look out the window every evening and smile. And that is how the son of the Raja lived happily ever after with his princess. You I'm going to go ahead and close the video. You You You You I'm going to go ahead and close the video. You You. You I'm going to go ahead and start the video. You You You You You You You You.. you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Jai and the Luminous Princess

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