A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. There, Grandfather ate alone while the…
The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. “There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “Before I send you out into the world. “And Five: On every surface, you…
The story began when I was a child. I was born as a son of a poor family. Even for eating, we often got lack of food. Whenever it the time for eating, my mother often gave me her portion…
My son starts school today. It is all going to be strange and new to him for a while and I wish you would treat him gently. It is an adventure that might take him across continents. All adventures probably include…
A couple went for a cruise tour to enjoy their private honeymoon while leaving their children at home. Unfortunately, the cruise ship was sinking due to catastrophic weather conditions. The couple finally made their way to the lifeboat area but…
After having won many archery contests, the town champion went to the Zen master. I am the best of all, he said. I doubt whether you could do that. Without looking in the least bit worried, the master went inside, fetched…
The late king of a known Kingdom had ten wild dogs. He used them to torture and eat any of his servants who made a mistake. One of the servants gave a wrong opinion, and the king didn’t like it…
A Samurai who was known for his nobility and honesty went to visit a Zen monk to ask him for his advice. He saw how the monk received them all with the same patience and the same illuminated smile on…
A philosopher was strolling through the forest with a disciple, discussing the importance of unexpected encounters. According to the philosopher, everything around us provides us with an opportunity to learn or to teach. They knocked on the door and were…
There was once a businessman who was sitting by the beach in a small Brazilian village. As he sat, he saw a Brazilian fisherman rowing a small boat towards the shore having caught quite few big fish. “Well, I usually…
One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company. He passed the first interview, and the director did the last interview and made the last decision. The youth answered, “My mother worked as clothes…
A doctor entered the hospital in a hurry after being called in for an urgent surgery. He answered the call as soon as possible, changed his clothes, and went directly to the surgery block. “Calm down?! What if your son…