What is Spiritual Exercise? A disciple asked his master, “Can you give me a spiritual exercise?” The master said, “Sweep the floor.” “A spiritual exercise,” the disciple insisted. The master said, “Sweep the floor while being aware of your sweeping.” “But that is how...
Practice What You Preach Once, there was a monkey who was a rare phenomenon. He could deliver impressive and inspiring discourses on religion and philosophy. Multitudes came from near and far to hear his eloquent messages about love, peace, and brotherhood. Every evening, the...
Renouncing the World A couple, having renounced the world, undertook a pilgrimage to various religious shrines. Once, the husband, who had walked a little ahead of the wife, spied a diamond lying on the road. He immediately scratched the ground to hide it. He feared...
Pray for Those Who Are a Nuisance to You Norman Vincent Peale is a well-known author of books on self-improvement. Once, while in northern Italy with his wife, he visited Stresa and stayed at a beautiful hotel on Lake Maggiore. Stresa is one of...
What It Means to Be a Buddha A man came to the Buddha and asked him, “Tell me Buddha, are you a god?” “No,” the Buddha replied. “I am not.” “Are you an angel, then?” he prodded. “No, I am not.” “Are you a...
Stilling the Mind An old monk was visited by a disgruntled young aspirant. The young man complained that although he had devoted his whole life to doing good deeds, he had still not attained peace. The old monk told the young man to bring him...
The Difference Between Knowing and Doing An eminent Confucian scholar, nearly eighty years old, was said to have no equal in learning and understanding. Then a rumour arose that, far away, a new doctrine had been developed and it had deeper knowledge than he did....
The Price for Peace and Tranquillity A tourist was strolling down a quiet street in an unfamiliar town when he saw a shop sign that said: “TRANQUILLITY SOLD HERE.” Curious, he entered to ask, “What products do you trade?” “Oh, many things,” replied...
Attaining Wisdom A young man once asked Socrates, “How can I attain wisdom?” “Come with me,” replied Socrates. He took the lad to a river, pushed his head under water, and held it there until the boy was gasping for air. He then released the...
A Balanced View of Life Three men were standing on a flight of stairs. The first stood at the top, the second at the bottom, and the third in the middle. The first man observed, “These steps go downward.” “No,” said the second, “These steps...
