By Paulo Coelho
A very wealthy man asked a Zen master for a text which would always remind him how happy he was with his family.
The Zen master took some parchment and, in beautiful calligraphy, wrote:
- The father dies. The son dies. The grandson dies.
- What? - said the furious rich man. - I asked you for something to inspire me, some teaching which might be respectfully contemplated by future generations, and you give me something as depressing and gloomy as these words?
- You asked me for something which would remind you of the happiness of living together with your family. If your son dies first, everyone will be devastated by the pain. If your grandson dies, it would be an unbearable experience.
“However, if your family disappears in the order which I placed on the paper, this is the natural course of life. Thus, although we all endure moments of pain, the generations will continue, and your legacy will be long-lasting.”
Welcome to Share with Friends - Free Texts for a Free Internet
By Paulo Coelho
A blessing rejected becomes a curse.
(The Alchemist)
Welcome to Share with Friends - Free Texts for a Free Internet
What followed this decision has confirmed that you have gone the right way. You have won international recognition, most important prizes, honorary titles; you have become a member of some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Is anything missing from this almost perfect portfolio? If so, what?
Every day is a miracle and a challenge. I should be concentrated in the daily experience, without thinking about the past.
