The man and his shadow (ENGLISH, ESPANOL)

by Paulo Coelho on November 10, 2010

PARA ESPANOL CLICAR AQUI: El hombre y su sombra
 

Illustration by Ken Crane

Many years ago, there lived a man who was capable of loving and forgiving everyone he came across. Because of this, God sent an angel to talk to him.

‘God asked me to come and visit you and tell you that he wishes to reward you for your goodness,’ said the angel. ‘You may have any gift you wish for. Would you like the gift of healing?’

‘Certainly not,’ said the man. ‘I would prefer God to choose those who should be healed.’

‘And what about leading sinners back to the path of Truth?’

‘That’s a job for angels like you. I don’t want to be venerated by anyone or to serve as a permanent example.’

‘Look, I can’t go back to Heaven without having given you a miracle. If you don’t choose, I’ll have to choose one for you.’

The man thought for a moment and then said:

‘All right, I would like good to be done through me, but without anyone noticing, not even me, in case I should commit the sin of vanity.’

So the angel arranged for the man’s shadow to have the power of healing, but only when the sun was shining on the man’s face. In this way, wherever he went, the sick were healed, the earth grew fertile again, and sad people rediscovered happiness.

The man traveled the Earth for many years, oblivious of the miracles he was working because when he was facing the sun, his shadow was always behind him. In this way, he was able to live and die unaware of his own holiness.
 

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{ 391 comments… read them below or add one }

Melissajo February 9, 2012 at 2:35 am

doing what you love and being devoted to that is facing the sun. thank you paulo, bless ~

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Antonia Lo Giudice February 9, 2012 at 1:49 am

We all have a shadow with the power to heal…We all have been and will continue to come across situations where our attention, our compassion, our empathy, our advise, our guidance, our hugs, our shoulder or just our smile will heal and lift another person’s spirit…The minute we seek for a reward, for recognition, we lose that power. A reward means there is end, when we expect something in return before giving to another human being, we have not really let go of our gifts with our soul, our minds are focused on the end, the reward. When we give with our soul, there is no end, we are One with the Universe, actually we will be rewarded without knowing it, we will continue to grow and our gifts will gain power and strength…

If someone approaches you and tells you how much you have helped them or made a difference in their lives and you stand there wondering, “how did I do that, I don’t remember having done anything…”, You are like the man in this story:) The world needs more people like you!!!

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nita February 9, 2012 at 1:48 am

It very interesting and touchy.

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jai February 9, 2012 at 2:34 am

you mean touching.

nina February 8, 2012 at 11:29 pm

gracias por ayudarnos a entender la vida entendernos mas nosotros mismos , tratar de entender los misterios de DIOS como llega a nosotros y nos comunica sus deseos ademas guia nuestrso pasos por el buen camino , fue el quien lo trajo a uds a mi vida atravez de mi hija Jessica quien me abuelo de su libeo EL ALQUIMISTA , desde entonces los he leido todos . Ahora tengo pedido en la biblioteca publica su ultimo libre, ALEPH . nunca deje de escribir , ud ayuda para que tengamos una mejor . humanidad , las guerras en el mundo planeta tierra deben acabarse , solo traen miseria , atraso , dolor, los que mas sufren son los ninos , los viejos , y las mujeres, DIOS lo bendiga ,

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Heimo Kruschinski February 8, 2012 at 11:05 pm

A beautiful story. What do i think about? God and angels seem to be a nuisance. Whether the man has acted wisely? I do not know. My feeling says no. I see no reason not to be proud of a gift. Every talent which God has given us, is a gift too. Vanity is also something very relative. Healthy vanity, does not harm, in my opinion. Whether the angels have acted wisely? Probably not. What helps the gift in the night? When it is dark and cold in the world, people need help, not necessarily when the sun shines. But that’s also just an opinion.

I wish you all a wonderful day

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Heimo Kruschinski February 8, 2012 at 11:20 pm

Sorry, I notice there’s a nice Bible quote. You’ve used it in the Witch of Portobello. Luke 11:33
“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.”

sammy February 8, 2012 at 10:50 pm

Usually I love your short stories but I don’t get this one. :(

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Mäyränpää February 8, 2012 at 10:46 pm

I actually cry when I read this. If a wish would limit the power of the shadow, then no wish shall be made. Should there be room, then may more or equal to every 1 out of 13 of these incidents have a form of blessing on my family’s life.

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Van February 8, 2012 at 10:40 pm

Adorei! Esses textos sempre chegam a mim na hora certa…

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Glen Green February 8, 2012 at 9:55 pm

I have been thinking about this very thing lately – vanity disguised as charity. Thank you for this.

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Apa Che February 8, 2012 at 9:50 pm

♥!!! ^^

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chai February 8, 2012 at 9:49 pm

Unselfish love and the fact that he did not asked anything in return is the best thing that had ever happened to him.. You are a very talented writer Paulo keep on writing good stories <3

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Diana Isela February 8, 2012 at 9:37 pm

Gracias por darme un poco de su basta sabiduría, por conocer lugares hermosos a través de sus lecturas y enseñarme al gran ser humano que es…saludos desde Mexico

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Nil February 8, 2012 at 9:32 pm

Mr. Paul, very very beautiful story… I adore u :) When u`ll come our country, Azerbaijan?! We love you very much :)

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Suneetra February 8, 2012 at 9:21 pm

Both simple and beautiful at the same time! Well written Paulo. It is important to be able to lead without being vain.

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