Barlaam and Ioasaph

"Barlaam and Ioasaph" by Saint John of Damascus is a tale cloaked in spirituality, unfolding in a land known as Ind, where a king named Abenner is upset by the growing influence of Christianity and his own lack of an heir. The story highlights a nobleman's choice to leave behind his wealth for a quiet life as a monk, causing a dramatic showdown with the king. It looks at the big questions of right and wrong, what it means to be alive, and the search for real happiness, all while telling the story of Ioasaph's journey to become enlightened through the teachings of Christ, inspired by Barlaam's wisdom.