One of the most difficult things in life, for me, is to allow events to unfold without judging them. We have all learned that when something bad happens, that we have “bad luck” or “are cursed”, or “God is punishing”. These sayings come to us from our Ancestors, and we learn them from our families and our playmates. There are many sayings to account for good luck, as well. Sayings like “horseshoes on your shoulders”, or “born with a silver spoon”, or “has a cloverleaf in her pocket”, and so on, are common sayings.
In my Buddhist studies, the following story is used to help students understand how events are just part of balance, and that often one does not see the complete story unless one looks at it from a distance or over a period of time. This story is called “The Farmer”.
The Farmer
There is a Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbours came to visit. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically. "May be," the farmer replied. The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbours exclaimed. "May be," replied the old man. The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbours again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. "May be," answered the farmer. The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbours congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. "May be," said the farmer.
Have a wonderful week!
Judy@angelsandancestors.com The September Magazine is now online at www.angelsandancestors.com
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Thanks for reading this blog post. Sharing is good if it is kind and either has questions or tells about an experience.
Blessings,
Judy