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Choosing one's destiny
"I am willing to give up everything",
said the prince to the master. "Please accept me as your disciple."
"How does a man choose his path?"
asked the master.
"Through sacrifice," answered
the prince. "A path which demands sacrifice, is a true path."
The master bumped into some shelves.
A precious vase fell, and the prince threw himself down in order
to grab hold of it. He fell badly and broke his arm, but managed
to save the vase.
"What is the greater sacrifice:
to watch the vase smash, or break one's arm in order to save it?"
asked the master.
"I do not know," said the
prince.
"Then how can you guide your
choice for sacrifice? The true path is chosen by our ability to
love it, not to suffer for it."
Overcoming obstacles
A famous Sufi master was invited
to give a course in California. The auditorium was full at 8AM -
the time announced - when one of the assistants came onto the stage.
"The master is just waking up.
Please be patient."
Time passed, and people started leaving
the room. At midday, the assistant returned to the stage, saying
that the master would be starting the lecture the minute he finished
talking to a pretty girl he had just met. Most of the remaining
audience left.
At 4PM the master appeared - apparently
drunk. This time, all but 6 people stormed out.
"I will teach you this,"
said the master, ceasing to act drunk. "Whoever wishes to go
down a long path, must learn that the first lesson is to overcome
early disappointments."
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