By Paulo Coelho
In the desert, fruit was scarce. God called one of his prophets and said:
- Each person may only eat one fruit a day.
The custom was obeyed for many generations, and the ecology of the place was preserved. Since the remaining fruit supplied seeds, other trees appeared. Soon, the entire region was turned into fertile soil, which was the envy of other towns.
But the people continued to eat one fruit a day - they remained faithful to what the ancient prophet of their forefathers had told them. However they never allowed the inhabitants of other villages to take advantage of the abundant harvest with which they were rewarded each year.
The result was that fruit rotted on the ground.
God called a new prophet and said:
- Let them eat as much fruit as they like. And ask them to share the abundance with their neighbors.
The prophet came to the town with the new message. But he was stoned - for by now the custom was ingrained in the hearts and minds of each of the inhabitants.
With time, the younger villagers began to question the barbaric old custom. But, since the tradition of the elders was unbending, they decided to abandon the religion. Thus, they could eat as much fruit as they wished, and give the rest to those in need of food.
The only people who remained faithful to the local church, were those who considered themselves saints. But in truth they were unable to see how the world changes, and recognize how one must change with it.
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ummm!
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This reminds me of today’s story by Savita, about her yoga studio in Texas…
Are you kidding me, satanic and what not! COME ON people!
Seems like every generation is reluctant to change.
It’s lack of know-ledge. To know, the truth.
Humans, we like to belong, to belong to something meaningful…
but to do so without questioning, not so good!
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Many traditions and beliefs are passed on to us as we grow..Some are true depending of where you are standing…I think the the right action is the one that feels true to your heart..
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Every generation “should” live for the good of the next…but they never do. Humans are very short sighted and don’t like change very much, but they force it even more every day. Then are surprised at what change brings, whether good or bad. By living “alive” and by being being “alert” to what is going on today, we are offered the opportunity to make good use of this day, and how we make use of it, will shape our world and our children’s tomorrow! Love, Paul
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Now ,should I remember that sometimes we must listen to our hearts,and to common sense?How many mistakes from the people of church,I dont want to blame them,maybe they are in good faith.But church rules are obsolete,and almost impossible to be applied in real life.In ,my country ,church doesnt help people much,is too far from poors and I dislike the idea of menacing always people that they end in hell,while they are rich and many of them sinners.I apologize if seemed that I include every priest,no,sure there are also brave and wise man ,but not enough.
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Each individual has his own wisdom and free will. It’s doesn’t mean to forget what the old customs. It will remain until the succeeding generations. We are on to decide what our hearts telling us to believe…
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ummm!
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Isn’t Paulo the prophet? Or do we really need one? :-)
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All we need now is a prophet to tell us to limit our fruit usage here. Well, and us to listen.
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