On the way to the temple containing the eye, an illusion that he can save his true love from danger tempts the prince off his path, and he is instantly turned to stone. The thief, who harbors no idealized self-images, sees through the illusions. Just for the fun of it, he completes the journey to the temple, retrieves the eye, rescues the prince and helps him win the princess. The more we are willing to face our own faults and shortcomings, the less likely we are to deceive ourselves or fall for the deceptions of others. The more we face problems with a spirit of adventure, as the thief did, the easier it will be to discover options and resources that can help us unfold our true gifts.
Visions are often like shy children.
Be friendly, make them comfortable, and they'll delight you with their ideas. Rush them, demand quick and logical explanations, and they'll either run away in fright or mutter something you can't understand. Though your heart is always transmitting its visions, your reception may be fuzzy. The best reception is often when you are enjoying yourself. If you can't concentrate when you meditate, ask your discomfort what it wants to tell you.