Friday Gyan 14: Patience and Persistence

PC: Prashant Bhandare

Story:
In an Indian temple, when the priest had gone for lunch, the Idol of the Lord and the Stepping Stone (stone used as a step) were conversing. 

Stepping Stone: What a good fate you have. We both were the same lump of rock for millions of years. The sculptor carved an idol out of you and everyone is worshipping you. Look at me, I am a stepping stone and every one stands on me and stamps on. What kind of life is this?

The Idol kept smiling and never bothered to answer this now and then routine murmur from the stepping stone. But the stepping stone will never stop his constant bickering.

The Idol replied: But do you remember that when the sculptor set out to carve an idol, it was you he chose, first. You were so impatient. In one strike, you broke into two. But when he tried on me, I grinned and bore all the hammers and chisel strikes with PATIENCE. Here I am the worshipful and happy Idol and you are the Stepping Stone.

Moral:
The difference between success and failure is patience and persistence!

Friday Gyan 13: Poisoning Mother-in-law

PC: Prashanthe Bhandare

Story:
Long time ago in China, a girl named Li-Li got married and went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn't get along with her mother-in-law at all. Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law’s habits. In addition, she criticized Li-Li constantly.

Moreover, according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing the poor husband great distress. Unable to stand her mother-in-law’s bad temper and dictatorship Li-Li decided to see her father’s good friend, Mr. Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all. Mr. Huang thought for a while, and finally said, “Li-Li, I will help you solve your problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you.”. Lily nodded and accepted his request.

Mr. Huang went into the back room, and returned in a few minutes with a package of herbs. He told Li-Li, “I am giving you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison in her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these herbs in her serving. To avoid suspicion, you must act very friendly towards her. Don’t argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen.”

Li-Li was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to plan her plot. Weeks went by, months went by, and every other day, Li-Li served specially treated food to her mother-in-law. She remembered what Mr. Huang had said about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother. After six months, the whole household had changed.

Li-Li had practised controlling her temper so much that she found that she almost never got mad or upset. She never had an argument in six months with her mother-in-law, who now seemed much kinder and easier to get along with. The mother-in-law’s attitude toward Li-Li changed, and she began to love her like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best daughter-in-law one could ever find. They both were treating each other like a real mother and daughter. Li-Li’s husband was very happy to see all this.

Li-Li started feeling bad about poisoning her. So she went to see Mr. Huang to ask his help once again. She said, “Mr. Huang, please help me to stop the poison from killing my mother-in-law! She’s changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother. I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her.”

Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head. “Li-Li, there’s nothing to worry about. I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her, but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her.”

Moral:
We take quick and random decisions in life based on our prejudices and judgements, most of which we end up regretting later and wish if we could not have done them. Letting go of a negative attitude, however hard it may be, can help us turn things around better down the line. Always keep a positive attitude and a proper state of mind while you take important decisions in your life. And remember to treat people with love and care because you always get treated by the way you treat others...

Good Morning!!!

Good Morning!!!

Don't be angry. 

Not ever. 

It's not worth it. It's not necessary. There is always a higher road. 

Besides, at any given moment, beyond the curtains of time and space, there's a legion of angels anxious to do your bidding, who can best reach you when you're not angry. 

And besides, whatever you could have been mad about was actually a cleverly designed self-test of your power and enlightenment.

P.S: Quotes from the Universe

Good Morning Friends!!!

The next best thing to winning is losing!
At least you’ve been in the race.

Have a refreshing day ahead!!!

Good Morning!!!

Find peace in the morning rush and you will have a good day.  ~Mike Dolan

Have a Great morning!!!

Image credit: Prashant Bhandare ~ http://www.flickr.com/photos/meprashant/