Tag: lifelessons
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Finding God: A Story of Hope
When we look for happiness, peace or strength, we often turn to people, places or practices. Sometimes we find what we are looking for; at other times, doubts and anxieties linger for days. When we feel overwhelmed, we may find ourselves wondering: Where can I find peace? A children’s book takes us on a journey…
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Life: Shuttlecock or Fountain?
Think of a recent instance when someone’s words or actions disturbed your peace of mind. How do you deal with such moments? What helps you regain your balance? We revisit a letter written in 1912 by Bhai Vir Singh Ji, a Sikh scholar and writer, to explore the wisdom it holds for our lives today.…
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The Visitor at the Door
In our search for meaning and peace, we may turn to God in different ways. We may follow a ritual, practise meditation or have an object of worship. Across traditions and forms of worship, seekers have long grappled with a common conundrum. At times, we feel deeply connected. At other times, that connection seems elusive.…
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The Priest’s Goat: When We Fear What Others Think
Have you ever felt upset by something someone said about you? It could be criticism at work, a casual remark by a friend, or repeated complaints from someone close to you. How do you usually react? Take a moment to notice which of these reactions you relate to. We revisit a story we may have…
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A Painting of Heaven
We all want to live in ways that reflect what we value — with kindness, integrity and compassion. But living by our values is not always easy. There are the pressures of daily life. We encounter people and situations that are far from ideal, where kindness and forgiveness may be seen as a weakness. How…
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Don’t lose your qualities
Can you think of a time when someone’s behaviour disappointed you? Perhaps you expected them to be considerate, grateful or supportive. When they weren’t, you felt hurt or angry. Much of the pain in relationships comes from the expectations we carry. We assume others will think, behave or respond the way we would. When they…
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The boatman and the scholar
Knowledge is often full of competing voices. For a seeker of wisdom, navigating this maze can be difficult. Who should we listen to? Why do we remain dissatisfied after reading and listening so much? How much learning is enough? The following story invites us to reflect on what wisdom is. The Scholar on the Boat…
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The King Who Forgot and the King Who Remembered
What makes us happy? And what helps happiness last? We spend much of our lives seeking things, experiences, and relationships that bring us joy. But what determines whether happiness fades quickly or stays with us? The following stories of a king who forgot and a king who remembered offer a clue. Story 1: The King…
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No one can take it away
Have you experienced situations where someone seems to block your path? They may overtly or covertly obstruct our work, withhold information or opportunities, or spread rumours and misinformation. We know this by many names — politics, manipulation, sabotage, or simply hurtful behavior that disturbs our peace of mind. The story of two wandering dervishes carries…