When our minds are overwhelmed, stories are like a balm for the soul. They speak not only to our intellect but also to our hearts. Stories are heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next—in the courtyard, on journeys, at mealtimes, or as sacred instructions. They carry with them the wisdom of living well, cautionary tales about the dangers of human existence, and practical tips for navigating life’s challenges.
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Ekudana the Arahat: One stanza of wisdom
In a grove near the ancient city of Savatthi, there lived a monk named Ekudana. He was an arahat—a term in the Buddhist tradition used to refer to enlightened beings who have achieved freedom from worldly desires and suffering. There was a special reason why he was known as Ekudana (Ek-Udana): he knew only one…
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What Do We Work For? | Lessons from the Pianist
What do we work for? If you’re a student, perhaps you work to gain knowledge or build a career. If you’re in the workforce, maybe you work to earn money, support your family, or bring a dream project to life. But how do we measure success? Is it the ability to provide for loved ones,…
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The Innocence of the Bhakta
One of the famous saints from the bhakti tradition was Bhagat Dhanna ji from Dhuan Kala village, near Tonk district in Rajasthan. He was a simple man born in a farming family. One day, while heading to his fields, he observed a priest performing his daily rituals with what appeared to him as ordinary stones.…
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Seeds are for planting: Love is for spreading
You may have come across two words that sound similar but differ greatly in meaning: Moha (मोह) and Prem (प्रेम). While Moha, or attachment, is considered one of the five primary vices, Prem, or love, is often a term used to describe the Divine itself. Where Moha leads to pain, Prem is seen as a…
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Every action counts | Choosing kindness and justice
What comes to your mind when you think of the word power – a king, a politician, a corporate leader? Most of us hold power in our everyday actions, even if we don’t realize it. We use our power when we offer support to a friend going through a tough time. When we forgive a…
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Who am I? | The Tale of the Lost Prince
There is a story about a prince who loses his memory and wanders far from his kingdom. He stumbles upon a group of beggars who welcome him as one of their own. Each morning, they leave for town to beg from door to door. When they return, they share their alms with the prince, who…
The Sabad Project - Wisdom stories 