Category: Inspiration

There once was a student monk who lived in a remote village, learning from his teacher for many years. When he came of age, the teacher told him to go out in the world and share what he had learned. So the student went forth, and before long was blocked by a vast river. He returned to his teacher and asked what he should do. The teacher handed him a big rock and sent him on his way. Proudly the student threw the big rock in the river, and saw that he could use it as a stepping stone. With another stone from the bank, he threw in the next one. With a third rock in hand, he jumped out to the second rock and froze in terror. The mist was so thick that he couldn’t see in front or behind him. “Where should I throw the third stone?” he thought. Too scared to make the wrong decision, he returned to his teacher. “What should I do, teacher?” he asked. With a compassionate smile, the teacher replied, “This is how life is, young one. You may only be able to see the next step, but if you continue to follow the lessons you learn, and have faith in the process, you will find your way.”

One day Darkness went to the King of the Universe. He said, “King, I know you have created all existence with purpose and meaning. Everything upon the Earth and in the Heavens has a reason. The waves that wash upon the shore, the sun that rises every morning, the stars that shine every night, the living beings and people who go about their functions upon the Earth, all are acting in support of your purpose. Without your order no one does anything, nor is there anyone who can prevent himself from acting once you have ordered him to act.

But King, I have one question for you, which I sincerely want to understand. Why is it that the Sun is always chasing me around the Earth? Sometimes I get tired and want to sit down. Even then the Sun comes and chases me away. Please King, explain to me why the Sun is always chasing me?

The King of the Universe replied, “Let me ask the Sun about this.” He called the Sun, “Sun, you come here.”

Darkness departed.

The King continued, “Sun, I have fashioned this creation with the ultimate of harmony. Everything has a purpose, a reason which can be understood in the divine plan of things. I want to know why it is that you are always chasing your brother, Darkness, around the Earth? You never give him a chance to rest. Every time he sits down and wants to rest, you come along and chase him away. What is the meaning of this behavior?”

The Sun said, “King, please excuse me! I have never seen Darkness. Please bring him here and show him to me, and I promise not to chase him away.”