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Vitamins for the Soul -- August 16, 2005
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Yali Shi
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Aug 16, 2005 19:05 PDT
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Vitamins for the Soul -- August 16, 2005
Anecdote
A man set off on a journey with a donkey and a parrot. It was to be a
long journey along an unknown path. The man packed the belongings needed
for the journey and placed the heavy burden upon his back. There was no
precise path to follow, so the donkey was sent off to seek a path. The
man trudged laboriously down the path with his heavy burden, the
scorching sun seeming to enhance the load on his back.
By nightfall the travelers had made little progress. The donkey with his
poor sense of direction had led them in circles; the parrot, who had
been sent to find supper, had found little more than worms; and the man
was weary with exhaustion. The three argued that the others were
incompetent in their tasks.
On the third day, the travelers were in a rage, determining that they
would disband the following day, for in each one's eyes, the other
lacked so greatly.
A traveler came across their camp, and hearing the discussion, offered
some advice. "A thought has crossed my mind," he said. "Perhaps you have
not built on each others' attributes and worked as a team. A donkey is a
beast of burden, and can travel with ease with a heavy load. Perhaps he
should carry the load for you.
"A bird's-eye view can help scout out a path to your destination. Why
not send the parrot ahead?
"And you‚ friend," he said to the man, "rather than carrying such a
load‚ would you not be able to provide more adequate meals?"
The man, parrot, and donkey contemplated the traveler's advice and
determined to sleep on the ideas. In the morning, they agreed to give it
a try, and each took up their new roles. It was with relative ease that
they continued on their journey, quickly traversing the distance to
their destination.
They determined from then on to always travel in this way, for when each
contributed toward their effort in the way they knew best, the journey
was made easier.
* * *
Best Regards,
Shi Yali
www.sunshin.org
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