This is a beautiful story with a true gem in it.
There once was a king who tried to play some fun on his trusted minister. He therefore asked his minister to go in search of a special ring , which he knew does not exist. When the minister enquired what was special, the king replied, "The ring possed magic powers, that if a happy man looks at it, he becomes sad and if a sad man looks at it he becomes happy.". The minister who got six months to find the ring set out in search of it. He searched far and wide but to no avail. On the last day before the end of the six months, as he was walking sadky, throught he poorest of the streets, he saw an old merchant to whom he asked, "Do you by any chance know of a ring that can make the happy sad and the sad happy?" The old merchant immediately took out an old ring from his collection and etched something on it and gave it to the minister. The minister's sad face beamed the moment he read the inscription. Happily he took it to his king. Waiting to see the fun unfold, the kind questioned him with a face filled with smile and eagerness. The minister handed the ring to the king and immediately noticed the smile fading away. As he read the inscriptions on the ring, 'This too shall pass!', the king had realized that all his wealth, power and influence would get to pass by and someday he himself would be nothing.
Enjoying this world and its material possessions is fine as long as we do not loose our selves when we loose our possessions. Enjoying everything with the right attitude that nothing in this world stays forever, would strengthen us and make our life and its challenges worth a marvellous experience!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Are you rich?
What do we mean by being rich. In today's world, richness is defined by luxury, money and status.But in truth, it is the mind that makes one rich and poor. That is precisely why we see happy men among beggars and sorrowful ones among the rich and celebrated. Here is a story that not only give us the right ourlook to learn but also a true meaning of 'being rich'. Enjoy!
One day, a rich dad took his son on a trip. He wanted to show him how poor someone can be. They spent time on the farm of a poor family. On the way home, the dad asked, "Did you see how poor they are? What did you learn?". Son said, "We have one dog, they have four, we have a pool, they have rivers, we have lanterns at night, they have stars, we buy foods, they grow theirs, we have walls to protect us, they have friends, we have encyclopedias, they have Bible." Then as they headed home, the boy turned to his dad and said, "Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are."
Most times in this world it is not money or such things that make one rich... rather it is the simplicity, love, happiness and faith one holds that makes one's life rich and worh living.
One day, a rich dad took his son on a trip. He wanted to show him how poor someone can be. They spent time on the farm of a poor family. On the way home, the dad asked, "Did you see how poor they are? What did you learn?". Son said, "We have one dog, they have four, we have a pool, they have rivers, we have lanterns at night, they have stars, we buy foods, they grow theirs, we have walls to protect us, they have friends, we have encyclopedias, they have Bible." Then as they headed home, the boy turned to his dad and said, "Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are."
Most times in this world it is not money or such things that make one rich... rather it is the simplicity, love, happiness and faith one holds that makes one's life rich and worh living.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Shake off and Step up!
This is a story some good soul sent out to me over the internet. It is one of the best stories I have ever heard with a beautiful message. Read on...
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Prayer
Prayer has had a great part in all our life. But how we pray and what we pray for is most often never a factor. We take it for granted. In most cases we pray just for us, our family and our welfare. Here is a wonderful story I recently read., one I will always cherish and hope those who read it too.
A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agree that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.
The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land and he was able to eat it's fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren! After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, there was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, again there was nothing! Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing!
Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered. As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?". The first man answered , "My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them. His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything." The next instant, "You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings.". Confused, the first man asked the voice "Tell me, O God, What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?" And God said, "He prayed that all your prayers be answered."
For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us.
So, we need to remember to pray for others and when we do have our prayers answered, lets thank those unknown souls who might also have played a part.
A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agree that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.
The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land and he was able to eat it's fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren! After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, there was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, again there was nothing! Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing!
Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered. As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?". The first man answered , "My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them. His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything." The next instant, "You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings.". Confused, the first man asked the voice "Tell me, O God, What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?" And God said, "He prayed that all your prayers be answered."
For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us.
So, we need to remember to pray for others and when we do have our prayers answered, lets thank those unknown souls who might also have played a part.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Lets not overlook our own faults!
One day a man complained to the health department about his brothers. "I have two brothers and we all live in one room. They have too many pets. One has five monkeys, the other has six dogs. It is terrible and there is no air in the room at all. You must please do something about this." The official asked, "Have you got any windows?" to which the man promptly replied, "Yes!" Why don't you open them to let fresh air in?", suggested the official. The second the official finished, the man yelled..."What? And loose all my pigeons!"
When everything goes well in life, we readily take the credits to it. However when our attempts end in failure, we immediately point our fingers in the opposite direction, overlooking our own faults, just like the man in the story!
Life becomes far more liveable when we are true to our innerself. If we can remember that there is no life without struggles and failures and that they are here only to make us stronger individuals we will be able to face it with far more ease. There is no shame in failures, whoever says whatever. The more the failures the more we learn. Ofcourse easier said than done! But we donot have a choice? When we fail, lets cry and brood, who cares, but lets remember not to stop there, lets get up to try it all over again... no matter whether it would fail again or succeed...lets just not give it! Thats not us!
When everything goes well in life, we readily take the credits to it. However when our attempts end in failure, we immediately point our fingers in the opposite direction, overlooking our own faults, just like the man in the story!
Life becomes far more liveable when we are true to our innerself. If we can remember that there is no life without struggles and failures and that they are here only to make us stronger individuals we will be able to face it with far more ease. There is no shame in failures, whoever says whatever. The more the failures the more we learn. Ofcourse easier said than done! But we donot have a choice? When we fail, lets cry and brood, who cares, but lets remember not to stop there, lets get up to try it all over again... no matter whether it would fail again or succeed...lets just not give it! Thats not us!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Point-of-View in Life!
In a small town there lived two brothers. But apart from the fact that they were brothers, they had nothing in common. The elder brother had many bad habits drugs, alcohol, etc...and was often in and out of jail. He was a criminal by career, a very bad dad, with about two failed marriages. His brother on the contrary, led a very healthy and peaceful life. He was a bussiness man in a very high position, a very good dad and husband. In his free time he serves his community through physical and financial means.
One day a reporter from a local telivision interviewed both the brothers seperately and asked them the same question..." What is it that made you, who you are today?"
The elder brother replied, "It is all b'cas of my father. He was an alcoholic, beat my mother, often for no reason. He was selfish and showed no love or affection to us. Today I have become just like him!".
The younger brother replied, "Its all b'cas of my father. He was a failure by all means. I took a resolve that I would never be like him. I am so grateful to my dad that he showed me how not to live!".
Both the brothers were troubled by their abusive father. They both had negative input however their output was completely different. Everything depends on our mind! If we want to see good in something or someone we can and if we decide to see bad, we can sure find a lot of that as well. Everything depends on how you look at it. Its all in your point of view!
One day a reporter from a local telivision interviewed both the brothers seperately and asked them the same question..." What is it that made you, who you are today?"
The elder brother replied, "It is all b'cas of my father. He was an alcoholic, beat my mother, often for no reason. He was selfish and showed no love or affection to us. Today I have become just like him!".
The younger brother replied, "Its all b'cas of my father. He was a failure by all means. I took a resolve that I would never be like him. I am so grateful to my dad that he showed me how not to live!".
Both the brothers were troubled by their abusive father. They both had negative input however their output was completely different. Everything depends on our mind! If we want to see good in something or someone we can and if we decide to see bad, we can sure find a lot of that as well. Everything depends on how you look at it. Its all in your point of view!
Attitude in Life!
Once there was a monastery that was very strict. They followed a vow of silence and were allowed to talk just two words every 10 years. There was a new monk who after spending his first tenyears there, went to the head monk. When the head monk asked," Now that you have fiinished your first ten years, what are the two words you would like to speak out?", he immediately said, " Bed.... hard!". Another ten years passed by and he was asked the same question by the head monk for which he replied, "Food stinks!". On finishing the third ten years he went to the head monk with his two words,"I QUIT!" The head monk replied, "Well, I can see why... all you do is complain."
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The True Significance of Onam
Onam, is a traditional festival celebrated by the Hindus in the South Western state of Kerala. It is associated with floral decorations (Pookalam), Good Eats (OnaSadya), boat race (Vallamkali) and a strange story!
Strange Story: - The Mahabali( He was a great King who ruled the land once upon a time)story associated with Thiruvonam states that Mahabali was a great king in whose rule, the citizens were happy and peace with each other. The Devas were Jealous of Mahabali and they approached Lord Vishnu to curtail his power and Vishnu(God) agreed to malicious intention of Devas and kicked Mahabali underground.
Clearly this is a fabrication of human mind (Nara stuthi) which contains human elements of Jealousy, enmity, ego, arrogance, dominate with power and annihilate. There is no divinity (holiness) in this story.
Vishnu: - As per Vedas the feet of Lord Vishnu can be reached only by those who had conquered their senses (Indrajit), renounced and sacrificed.
Indrasya Yuj saha,
Tad vishno paramam padam sada pasyanthi soorayaha
Mahabali: - Our tradition states that we acquire nothing through wealth and only sacrifice defines a place for us (Tyagainaike amirthathvam anasuha). Mahabali had performed 99 Yajnams (fire sacrifices).
Yajnam is associated with fasting for several days, giving up our residence(upa vasam), giving up sleep and staying focused on Agni day and night, finally donating to the needy/ poor upon completion and staying de-attached from materialistic pleasures.
King Mahabali, executing 99 Yajnams(fire sacrifices) had acquired supremacy over his senses(Indrajit) and was qualified for more than Indra sadas. He was qualified for the Divine Lotus Feet of the Lord. Therefore the Lord Himself came down to this qualified (Aruhath) soul.
Typically in Hindu traditions, departed soul integrates with the feet of Lord Vishnu (Vishnu Paadam). Pindam (offerings) to Vishnu Paadam is considered as offering to departed souls. Vishnu Paadam is the final resting place for a soul and Mahabali acquired it alive through his penance and sacrifice.
In Conclusion:- Thiruvonam is a celebration for conquest of senses giving us a clue on how to reach parama padam.
Strange Story: - The Mahabali( He was a great King who ruled the land once upon a time)story associated with Thiruvonam states that Mahabali was a great king in whose rule, the citizens were happy and peace with each other. The Devas were Jealous of Mahabali and they approached Lord Vishnu to curtail his power and Vishnu(God) agreed to malicious intention of Devas and kicked Mahabali underground.
- If Vishnu yields to Jealousy of Devas, is Vishnu worth to worship?
- Can a God be partial to someone or some clan?
Clearly this is a fabrication of human mind (Nara stuthi) which contains human elements of Jealousy, enmity, ego, arrogance, dominate with power and annihilate. There is no divinity (holiness) in this story.
Vishnu: - As per Vedas the feet of Lord Vishnu can be reached only by those who had conquered their senses (Indrajit), renounced and sacrificed.
Indrasya Yuj saha,
Tad vishno paramam padam sada pasyanthi soorayaha
Mahabali: - Our tradition states that we acquire nothing through wealth and only sacrifice defines a place for us (Tyagainaike amirthathvam anasuha). Mahabali had performed 99 Yajnams (fire sacrifices).
Yajnam is associated with fasting for several days, giving up our residence(upa vasam), giving up sleep and staying focused on Agni day and night, finally donating to the needy/ poor upon completion and staying de-attached from materialistic pleasures.
King Mahabali, executing 99 Yajnams(fire sacrifices) had acquired supremacy over his senses(Indrajit) and was qualified for more than Indra sadas. He was qualified for the Divine Lotus Feet of the Lord. Therefore the Lord Himself came down to this qualified (Aruhath) soul.
Typically in Hindu traditions, departed soul integrates with the feet of Lord Vishnu (Vishnu Paadam). Pindam (offerings) to Vishnu Paadam is considered as offering to departed souls. Vishnu Paadam is the final resting place for a soul and Mahabali acquired it alive through his penance and sacrifice.
In Conclusion:- Thiruvonam is a celebration for conquest of senses giving us a clue on how to reach parama padam.
Friday, July 1, 2011
The Mother of All...
Mata Amritanandamayi... She is a spiritual Guru like no other. Read about Amma here... http://www.amritapuri.org/amma/who
It is said that when you are ready the Guru comes to us. He makes the necessary arrangements for us to meet Him... And then something within us starts to change... we start becoming wonderful humans... learning to live in peace with ourselves, with our mind and with the outer world. Life becomes a wonderful experience!
It is said that when you are ready the Guru comes to us. He makes the necessary arrangements for us to meet Him... And then something within us starts to change... we start becoming wonderful humans... learning to live in peace with ourselves, with our mind and with the outer world. Life becomes a wonderful experience!
LEARNING TO LIVE WITHOUT RECOGNITION IS A SKILL!
There was a farmer who collected horses. He only needed one more breed to complete his collection. One day, he found out that his neighbor had the particular horse breed he needed. So, he constantly bothered his neighbor until he sold it to him. A month later, the horse became ill and he called the veterinarian, who said: "Well, your horse has a virus. He must take this medicine for three days. I'll come back on the 3rd day and if he's not better, we're going to have to put him down."
Nearby, the pig listened closely to their conversation. The next day, they gave him the medicine and left. The pig approached the horse and said: "Be strong, my friend. Get up or else they're going to put you to sleep!" On the second day, they gave him the medicine and left. The pig came back and said: "Come on buddy, get up or else you're going to die! Come on, I'll help you get up. Let's go! One, two, three..."
On the third day, they came to give him the medicine and the vet said: "Unfortunately, we're going to have to put him down tomorrow. Otherwise, the virus might spread and infect the other horses."
After they left, the pig approached the horse and said:- "Listen pal, it's now or never! Get up, come on! Have courage! Come on! Get up! Get up! That's it, slowly! Great! Come on, one, two, three... Good, good. Now faster, come on.... Fantastic! Run, run more! Yes! Yay! Yes! You did it, you're a champion!!!"
All of a sudden, the owner came back, saw the horse running in the field and began shouting: "It's a miracle! My horse is cured. This deserves a party. Let's kill the pig!"
Points for reflection: This often happens in the workplace. Nobody truly knows which employee actually deserves the merit of success, or who's actually contributing the necessary support to make things happen.
LEARNING TO LIVE WITHOUT RECOGNITION IS A SKILL!
If anyone ever tells you that your work is unprofessional, remember: amateurs built the Ark and professionals built the Titanic.
DON'T LOOK TO BECOME A PERSON OF SUCCESS, LOOK INSTEAD TO BECOME A PERSON OF VALUE!
Nearby, the pig listened closely to their conversation. The next day, they gave him the medicine and left. The pig approached the horse and said: "Be strong, my friend. Get up or else they're going to put you to sleep!" On the second day, they gave him the medicine and left. The pig came back and said: "Come on buddy, get up or else you're going to die! Come on, I'll help you get up. Let's go! One, two, three..."
On the third day, they came to give him the medicine and the vet said: "Unfortunately, we're going to have to put him down tomorrow. Otherwise, the virus might spread and infect the other horses."
After they left, the pig approached the horse and said:- "Listen pal, it's now or never! Get up, come on! Have courage! Come on! Get up! Get up! That's it, slowly! Great! Come on, one, two, three... Good, good. Now faster, come on.... Fantastic! Run, run more! Yes! Yay! Yes! You did it, you're a champion!!!"
All of a sudden, the owner came back, saw the horse running in the field and began shouting: "It's a miracle! My horse is cured. This deserves a party. Let's kill the pig!"
Points for reflection: This often happens in the workplace. Nobody truly knows which employee actually deserves the merit of success, or who's actually contributing the necessary support to make things happen.
LEARNING TO LIVE WITHOUT RECOGNITION IS A SKILL!
If anyone ever tells you that your work is unprofessional, remember: amateurs built the Ark and professionals built the Titanic.
DON'T LOOK TO BECOME A PERSON OF SUCCESS, LOOK INSTEAD TO BECOME A PERSON OF VALUE!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Our frame of mind!
Once Buddha was giving a sermon. keeping in mind that monks were present in the audience, he said at the end of the semon, "Before u go to bed don't forget to do the most important thing of the day". Hearing these words the monks thought, "We must not forget to meditate before sleeping." A thief who was also present thought,"Lord Buddha is right.", he mused "Late night is the best time for stealing." A prostitute hearing these words thought that she should try to get some customers that night on the way home from the sermon. Each one took Buddha's instruction according to his or her own frame of mind!
When problems arise in our lives, we always try to change the circumstances often interpreting things as our minds wills, but in many cases the only appropriate solution is to change ourselves- to change our mind!
When problems arise in our lives, we always try to change the circumstances often interpreting things as our minds wills, but in many cases the only appropriate solution is to change ourselves- to change our mind!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Learn to listen without a pre-determined idea...
A teacher teaching Maths to a six-year-old asked him, "If I give you one apple and one apple and one apple, how many apples will you have?"Within a few seconds the boy replied confidently, "Four!" The dismayed teacher was expecting an effortless correct answer (three). She was disappointed. "Maybe the child did not listen properly," she thought. She repeated, "Ok, listen carefully. If I give you one apple and one apple and one apple, how many apples will you have?" He had seen the disappointment on his teacher's face. He calculated again on his fingers. But within him he was also searching for the answer that will make his teacher happy. His search for the answer was not for the correct one, but the one that will make his teacher happy. This time hesitatingly he replied, "Four…"
The disappointment stayed on the teacher's face. She remembered that the boy liked strawberries. She thought maybe he doesn't like apples and that is making him loose focus. This time with an exaggerated excitement and twinkling in her eyes she asked, "If I give you one strawberry and one strawberry and one strawberry, then how many will you have?" Seeing the teacher happy, the little boy calculated on his fingers again. There was no pressure on him, but a little on the teacher. She wanted her new approach to succeed. With a hesitating smile that young boy enquired, "Three?"
The teacher now had a victorious smile. Her approach had succeeded. She wanted to congratulate herself. But one last thing remained. Once again she asked him, "Now if I give you one apple and one apple and one more apple how many will you have?" Promptly he answered, "Four". The teacher was aghast. "How, how?" she demanded in a little stern and irritated voice. In a voice that was low and hesitating the little boy replied, "Because I already have one apple in my bag."
When someone gives you an answer that is different from what you expect. Don't think they are wrong. There maybe an angle that you have not understood at all. You will have to listen and understand, but never listen with a predetermined notion.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Peace of Mind?
There was once this man who was hearing a radio personality giving a talk on how to get peace of mind. He said"... the best way for anyone to get peace of mind is to complete those things that you have started but never finished." The man who was listening immediately looked around, found a champagne that was opened but not finished. he gulped it empty. Then he saw a bag of potato chips lying around, he sat to finish it and also chewed empty a box of chocolate chip cookies that was opened a few days before. So on he went to finish a few more. When he could eat no more, he got up to give his friends a call about the new found way to get peace of mind, but half the way to his phone he fell unconcious. He woke up to the bright lights of the emergency room.
Well, this is how many of us strive for peace of mind.... taking a lot of wrong turns all the way of life. In my personal opinion, peace of mind comes from our attitude, our way of approach, our outlook of life. I believe that the right outlook gives us the right 'peace of mind'! What say you?
Well, this is how many of us strive for peace of mind.... taking a lot of wrong turns all the way of life. In my personal opinion, peace of mind comes from our attitude, our way of approach, our outlook of life. I believe that the right outlook gives us the right 'peace of mind'! What say you?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Life's Surprise Packages!
Many a time in life, Life gives us something that is totally unexpected. A wise man still sees it as a good gift, while the majority of us curse Life for always throwing at us things and situations we never ever wanted. This is a story, a very beautiful story that clearly portrays Life's ways...
There was once a rich young boy who loved an old classical and expensive car( I forgot the name of the car). He hoped that he would one day get it. Years rolled by and he was a young man graduating from school. His dad asked him what he wanted as a graduation gift and without an second's pause, named it- the car that he had always wanted. On the morning of his graduation he went up to his dad with lots of expectations about the car. His dad gave him a small box. He curiously opened it. But to his diappointment saw a bible inside it. Without even touching it, he closed it and yelled at his dad. He said, that his dad had all the money in this world but could not get him something he had longed for all his life. Saying that he walked off that home and on his dad. He made a life of his own and never met his father again. Many years later he received a telegram stating that his father had expired and has willed all his wealth to his son. Suddenly he felt a pain deep inside him. He started feeling remorseful for his behaviour. He visited the home where he last saw his dad. When he walked to his dad's study he noticed that the gift he refused to accept, was still lying safetly inside a glass case. He opened the box and this time took the bible out and out fell a key for a brand new car that he had always wanted with a key chain note saying... 'Happy Graduation Son!'.
I very much believe that Life always gives us what we want , but fortunately or unfortunately, does not pack it the way we expect. Only a man with patiance and acceptance can discover the true gifts hidden inside strange boxes, all wrapped very carefully by our Life.
There was once a rich young boy who loved an old classical and expensive car( I forgot the name of the car). He hoped that he would one day get it. Years rolled by and he was a young man graduating from school. His dad asked him what he wanted as a graduation gift and without an second's pause, named it- the car that he had always wanted. On the morning of his graduation he went up to his dad with lots of expectations about the car. His dad gave him a small box. He curiously opened it. But to his diappointment saw a bible inside it. Without even touching it, he closed it and yelled at his dad. He said, that his dad had all the money in this world but could not get him something he had longed for all his life. Saying that he walked off that home and on his dad. He made a life of his own and never met his father again. Many years later he received a telegram stating that his father had expired and has willed all his wealth to his son. Suddenly he felt a pain deep inside him. He started feeling remorseful for his behaviour. He visited the home where he last saw his dad. When he walked to his dad's study he noticed that the gift he refused to accept, was still lying safetly inside a glass case. He opened the box and this time took the bible out and out fell a key for a brand new car that he had always wanted with a key chain note saying... 'Happy Graduation Son!'.
I very much believe that Life always gives us what we want , but fortunately or unfortunately, does not pack it the way we expect. Only a man with patiance and acceptance can discover the true gifts hidden inside strange boxes, all wrapped very carefully by our Life.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Don't judge Life by one difficult moment...
This is a story I read long back... one with a lot of precious gems in it....
There was once a wise man who had four sons. One day, he decided to send them, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was quite a distance away. He sent the first son in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together and asked them what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son disagreed with the first and said that it was covered with green buds and looked promising. The third son disagreed with the previous two and said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful. He also said that it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them and he said that it was ripe and drooping with fruit, filled with life and fulfilment.
The man then explained to his sons that they were all speaking the truth, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.He told them that one must not judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that comes from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer and the fulfilment of your fall.
Remember:
Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come sometime or
later.
There was once a wise man who had four sons. One day, he decided to send them, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was quite a distance away. He sent the first son in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together and asked them what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son disagreed with the first and said that it was covered with green buds and looked promising. The third son disagreed with the previous two and said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful. He also said that it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them and he said that it was ripe and drooping with fruit, filled with life and fulfilment.
The man then explained to his sons that they were all speaking the truth, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.He told them that one must not judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that comes from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer and the fulfilment of your fall.
Remember:
Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come sometime or
later.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Our outlook of life...
There was once a beggar who inspite of living without even proper food would long to have great shoes. Everytime he sees rich men around his place his gaze would move to their shoes. He always felt, "Oh... how I wish I had those shoes... I am not that lucky in life!". This he would think everytime he sees people around with great shoes. One day, as he was walking around a street, he saw a pair of abandoned, slightly worn out shoes near a thrash pick up. He was so happy and he wore them and walked so very majestically. As he turned over the corner, he noticed a man, struggling to stand up. He had lost both his legs and was in rags. He seemed to be another beggar, a beggar with no legs and no thoughts for shoes! Something stuck him hard. As he helped the man up, he realised how lucky he was that he atleast had two healthy legs to walk. He felt ashamed that he wasted a lot of time whining for not being lucky to wear shoes when there are many who donot even have legs. For the first time he felt happy... whole heartedly happy and above all he felt lucky!.
Many a time in life, we are like the beggar who wished for shoes. We often forget our blessings and keenly count our losses or shortcomings. We look at those who are better off than us and feel jealous or sad that we could not be like them. And every such time we totally forget that there are a lot many below us , the less fortunate ones, who donot even have a fraction of what we have. Happiness and peace in life comes from our outlook of life. It all depends on how we see each thing in life... When we have a situation, we could see above us and feel upset or see below us and feel lucky. I had always felt that in any kind of situation, however hard they might be, there are people suffering far more than us somewhere in this world. We may or maynot know them, but if we could just remember it and realise how true it is we would feel lucky in any situation and Life will then give us the strength to go on and win it.
Many a time in life, we are like the beggar who wished for shoes. We often forget our blessings and keenly count our losses or shortcomings. We look at those who are better off than us and feel jealous or sad that we could not be like them. And every such time we totally forget that there are a lot many below us , the less fortunate ones, who donot even have a fraction of what we have. Happiness and peace in life comes from our outlook of life. It all depends on how we see each thing in life... When we have a situation, we could see above us and feel upset or see below us and feel lucky. I had always felt that in any kind of situation, however hard they might be, there are people suffering far more than us somewhere in this world. We may or maynot know them, but if we could just remember it and realise how true it is we would feel lucky in any situation and Life will then give us the strength to go on and win it.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Life...wonderful Life...
I have often wondered about how challenging it is to live here on Earth, yet people succeed in every walk of life. Life here on Earth, has its own problems, big and small, for every single soul, but still there is something so magical in it that we all want to keep living here admist all the problems we face. The biggest miracle of all: Life!
Everything about Life is marvellous... right from the minute we come to existence to the very day we leave from here. And the most thrilling part is the journey inbetween, an unusual yet right mix of masalas: joy, pain, earning, loosing, giving, getting, love, hurt, healthy, sick, laugh, cry , trust, betray and on and on and on goes the list... all making life what it really is, to every single one of us... just unique and not so easy, yet so special!
Everything about Life is marvellous... right from the minute we come to existence to the very day we leave from here. And the most thrilling part is the journey inbetween, an unusual yet right mix of masalas: joy, pain, earning, loosing, giving, getting, love, hurt, healthy, sick, laugh, cry , trust, betray and on and on and on goes the list... all making life what it really is, to every single one of us... just unique and not so easy, yet so special!
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