The death merchant

That man was a renowned person all over the country.He was reading newspaper early morning and was shocked to see a news.There must have been hoax news to the newspaper office about his death and the news paper had published it without confirming it.He knew that this must have become a big news and so all papers must have carried it out.Since he was a renowned person,as he had just invented dynamite and had just been applauded by the government,he was curious how people must have reacted to it.He was very proud that he had done a great contribution to the mankind.So people would surely be mourning his death.So he went through all the newspapers.He was surprised to see so much hatred about him.One paper quoted," King of bombs died". Another quoted,"The Death merchant dies".
He was moved by this and introspected that he might have done more harm by his invention than good.
He decided then and there itself that he didnt want to be remembered as a 'Death merchant'.He wanted to something to compensate for the prospective harm he might have caused to the mankind.From that day he started working for peace.He set up a foundation to encourage people who are contributing to the mankind in various areas.He was Alfred Nobel

We are so poor!

Father once took his son to the village he was born and brought up in.Over the years he had moved to a metropolitan city for job,became rich as time passed and had settled down with a family.He used to go rarely to that place.As a father one day he felt he had been giving his son everything he want.So that might be in a way spoiling him and stopping him from learning about sufferings.He wanted to show to his son what being poor was.So he thought of bringing his son to the village that had no facilities.
They stayed in a relative's home who was a farmer for few days.It was a new experience to the boy who had grown up in a posh city with all facilities.
On return,father asked,"What did you think about the situations in the village? Dont you think we are so fortunate to live in the city amongst all the facilities compared to them? We are so rich.Isnt it? "
Son replied,"No father! I think we are so unfortunate. We have so less compared to them. We have only one dog.They have so many dogs near their home roaming all day. We have a very small swimming pool.The lake in which they swim is so big. At nights,we compulsorily need street lights.They walk under the shimmering light of the stars and moon.We hardly see stars and moon here in the city sky.They have beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset in those hills.I have never seen that here.We have compunds around our houses and we have access to only that much of space.The houses there dont have any compounds and the space in front of their homes belong to everyone.They have big fields all around to play.We have to pay and go to stadiums to play.We pay for the food,fruits and vegetables we eat.They grow everything for themselves and share it. Oh! how much they have.We are so poor,Daddy!"
Father realized how foolish he was,for his son had taught him new lesson for life.

Moral- Life is good or bad,by the way we percieve it

The reserved front row seat!

 He always was a loner and never used to mingle with other kids.He always was dressed untidily,uncombed and used to sit alone in a corner on his own looking somewhere in class.He never used to do homework even after scoldings,beatings and punishments.
 A new teacher had come to that school and she was made the class teacher of the boy's class.After few days,he was the topic of discussion in the school meeting.The new class teacher poured out complaints after complaints about him.The other teachers too added.The principal mentioned that the boy had studied there from nursery.He used to be smart enough and was a good kid.The said developments had taken place since an year or two.
The class teacher started to think in another manner.She wanted to know what could have went wrong.She started digging about each and every aspect of the boy's life.She came to know that his father had died a few years back and was living with his mother on father's pension money in bad conditions.His mother too had cancer and was almost bedridden.All she could do was barely cook for the child with lots of difficulty.Other than that she couldnt take care of him in any manner.
 The teacher realized why he was always unkempt.She decided to change her approach towards the boy.She started giving him individual attention inside and outside the class.She went to his home one day,spoke to his mother and suggested to send him to her home for a while every morning and evening.She started to take care of his life like a mother,dressing him up,taking care of his homework etc.She told the other teachers his truth so that they paid him extra attention and care.There were remarkable improvements in the boy and he passed the high school with flying colors.The government offered scholarship to the boy to study further after knowing his conditions.The same year the class teacher was to leave the school as she was getting married and was shifting to another part of the country.She bid good bye to the boy with heavy heart and regrets that she couldn't be there for him anymore.She adviced him to come up in life and went away.
 After few years passed,the teacher shifted back to the same place with her family.One fine day she recieved a wedding invitation at her home.The name on it sounded familiar to her.She guessed it could be that boy from the past.She ignored it thinking it could be any student of hers by that name and he was gracious enough to send the invitation just like all her other students.One fine day as she visited her old school,she was told that the boy whom she had cared for had reached a coveted position in a Government organization in the country.She felt proud and was confirmed that the invitation she recieved was his itself.He was to marry few months later to an orphan girl he had chosen.
 After few days,she recieved a letter from him asking her to make her presence felt in his marriage, and that she will be sent a car to come.She felt that the old student must be showing off as now he was a big shot.Else why would he simply send invite and notes instead of calling in person.
 On the day of the wedding,a car came to her home to take her to the wedding.As she was curious to see her old student,she just simply sat in it without much fuss and started towards the church where the wedding was due to take place.She reached the venue late.But the ceremony hadn't begun.It seemed as if everyone were waiting for someone.
As soon as she reached the door,a man in his early thirties came to her smilingly,bowed to her feet and introduced himself as the boy whom she had helped in school.On asking about his mother,he told that she had passed away in his college days itself.He had studied on scholarships and working part times.Thereafter,he had landed a coveted job position on merit.He apolgized for not inviting her personally as he had been busy taking care of a major Government assigment since a few months.He had searched for her adress earlier,but in vain.He had come to know only few days before,through a chance meeting with another teacher,that she was back in the same place few months before.Later he mentioned that everyone had been waiting for her to begin the ceremony.
 She realized that wedding was already delayed and suggested him to go ahead with the ceremony as it was already late enough.The preist too reminded him not to delay.So the student requested her to occupy the seat that had been reserved for her in the front row and be there till the end of the ceremony.As she walked to the front row,the student turned and smiled at her with a grateful look and teary eyes.She was surprised all along by his attitude towards her.And she was even more surprised now because,the seat that was reserved for her had a placard with "MOTHER" written on it..!

I am actually looking forward for my son to grow up well

Farmer used to tell his son to daily go to the field and look after the crops.His friends were curious why he was being so overcautious about the crops.
They asked,"Why are you bothering your son so much.Dont the crops grow well themselves after taking the necessary precautions.Why should he daily sweat it on the field?"
The farmer said,"I am not looking forward to growing crops well.I know they are doing just fine.I am actually looking forward for my son to grow up well."

He got the job

He was in the interview at a big multinational corporation.There were a lot of people along with him waiting for the interview to begin.He had sore throat and he remembered he had medicated throat lozenge in his bag.He took it out,unwrapped it,looked around and was about to put it into his mouth.A few well suited people were passing the same time in front of him and happened to glance at him.He didnt know who they were but immediately put the lozenge back in his bag and nodded with an apolegtic look.Later he got the job!

[p.s:The suited people were the interview panel,if you didnt get :-)]

Moral - The most uncommon thing in common people is common sense.So those who have it are not common people and reap good rewards for it

A Generous Business Partner.

 

 One day, a very wealthy man was walking on the road. Along the way, he saw a beggar on the sidewalk.The rich man looks kindly on the beggar and asked, "How did you become a beggar?
 The beggar said, "Sir, I've been applying for a job for a year now but haven't found any. You look like a rich man.Sir, if you'll give me a job, I'll stop begging."
 The rich man smiled and said, "I want to help you. But I won't give you a job. I'll do something better.
I want you to be my business partner. Let's start a business together.
 The beggar blinked hard. He didn't understand what the older man was saying. "What do you mean, Sir? "
The rich man said,"I own a rice plantation. You could sell my rice in the market. I'll provide you the sacks of rice.I'll pay the rent for the market stall. I'll even give you food allowance everyday for the next 30 days.All you'll have to do is sell my rice. And at the end of the month, as Business Partners, we'll share in the profits."
 Tears of joy rolled down his cheeks. "Oh Sir," he said, "you're a gift from Heaven. You're the answer to my prayers.Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
 He then paused and said, Sir, how will we divide the profits? Do I keep 10% and you get the 90%? Do I keep 5% and you get the 95%? I'll be happy with any arrangement.
 The rich man shook his head and chuckled. "No, I want you to give me the 10%. And you keep the 90%.
 For a moment, the beggar couldn't speak. When he tried to speak, it was gibberish,"Uh, gee, uh, wow, I mean, huh? "
He couldn't believe his ears. The deal was too preposterous.The rich man laughed more loudly. He explained, "I don't need the money, my friend.I'm already wealthy beyond what you can ever imagine.
I want you to give me 10% of your profits so you grow in faithfulness and gratitude."
The beggar knelt down before his benefactor and said," Yes Sir, I will do as you say.Even now, I'm so grateful for what you've done for me!"
And so that was what happened. He forgets where the blessings came from.Each day, the beggar now dressed a little bit better operated a store selling rice in the market. He worked very hard.He woke up early in the morning and slept late at night. And sales were brisk, also because the rice was of good quality.And after 30 days, the profits were astounding.
 At the end of the month, as the ex-beggar was counting the money, and liking very much the feeling of money in his hands, an idea grew in his mind.He told himself," Gee, why should I give 10% to my Business Partner? I didn't see him the whole month!I was the one who was working day and night for this business. I did all this work! I deserve the 100% profits!"
A few minutes later, the rich man was knocking on the door to collect his 10% of the profits.The ex-beggar opened the door and said, "You don't deserve the 10%. I worked hard for this.I deserve all of it!" And he slammed the door.

If you were his Business Partner, how would you feel?

Friends, this is exactly what happens to us

God gave us everything, God is Our Business Partner.God gave us life-every single moment, every single breath, every single second. God gave us talents-ability to talk, to create, to earn money God gave us a body-eyes, ears, mouth, hands, feet, heart. God gave us mind- imagination, emotions, reasoning, language. So we need to give back Our Business Partner something in return.


courtesy:an email from K.Parthasarathi sir,respected mentor and fellow blogger
read his blog www.kparthas.blogspot.com

Zen stories- Where the happiness lie

 It was a very hot summer.Zen teacher was sitting resting in his monstery.The pupil was seated beside him and reading.The teacher felt hungry.He took out an orange from his bag.Since the student was sitting,he gave one half of it to him and started eating the other half.The student staunchly believed that whatever his teacher did had some hidden meanings.He wanted to know what was it behind his act now.He asked,"Sir,You are wise.Whatever you do always has a meaning to convey.What is the indication of this half fruit?"
Teacher kept eating the fruit silently.The student said,"Sir,whenever you are silent it also has hidden meanings to convey.It seems you are thinking about something deeply". The teacher didnt react.
The student continued,"You seem to be enjoying the fruit a lot.You must be thinking whether happiness lies in the fruit or the tongue tasting it".
The teacher asked him to stop assuming things and said,"Enough of your madness and thoughts.I felt like eating the fruit.I ate.Since you were beside me,i shared it with you.If you wanna experience the happiness that the fruit has to offer with its sweetness right this moment,then experience it.But dont waste your time thinking about happiness instead of experiencing it.Zen doesnt mean finding meaning to everything in life to attain happiness.Instead,it is experiencing happiness in each and every moment and act of life"

Zen stories-How are you going to feel lighter inside?

Chen che was a boy with lots of patience.One day he came late to the class.Zen teacher asked,"Why late?"
Chen che said,"A glass piece had pierced my leg on my way here.I was bleeding profusely and unable to walk.With lots of difficulty i somehow managed to come to the class."
"When the glass pierced you,didn't it hurt? Then why are you not crying when in pain?",asked the teacher.
Chen che was silent as he couldnt tell his teacher that it was considered shameful to cry for boys.The teacher slapped him once with full force.Chen che started crying out of pain.
Teacher said,"Keep crying.The pain will reduce.If you donot cry when you are supposed to cry,how are you going to feel lighter inside?"

Zen stories-Please accept its death calmly

Zen teacher Ik-yu was very sharp and intelligent right at young age itself.He captured everyone's attention by his wit and smartness.Ik-yu's master had a precious antique beautiful tea cup which he loved a lot.One day as Ik-yu was cleaning master's room,it fell off his hands accidently and broke.Ik-yu was worried how to tell the teacher about his mistake.The same time,he heard the footsteps of the master approaching his room.
He hid the broken cup behind and stood humbly in front of the master and asked."Teacher,I have a question.Please clear my doubt.Why do people die in this world? Cant we escape it?"
The master explained,"Everyone and everything has death in this world that is natural phenomenon.There is no escpaing it ever.It has to be accepted with calm mind no matter what."
Immediately Ik-yu brought the broken cup in front of him and sheepishly said,"Your antique tea cup died today.Please accept its death calmly!"

Self appraisal

There was a telephone booth at the end of a shop.A boy came and called someone.The shopkeeper could hear the conversation clearly
Boy-Madam,can you give the gardening work of your home?
Woman on phone- No child,Because we already have someone for that work
Boy-I will do the lawn work half the price of the one you have appointed.
Woman on phone-Its not like that.I am happy with the work of the present worker.There is no fault finding in his work.
Boy- Madam,If you want i will do the sweeping work of your home along with the lawn work for free
Woman on phone- No,thanks.The present worker is doing a perfect job and hence i dont want anybody else.

The boy hanged the call and there was a smile on his face.The shopkeeper who was hearing this conversation went to the boy and said."I like your mentality.I am impressed by the positive spirit you have.If you want,I can give you work.
 The boy said politely,"Thanks a lot for your concern.But i dont need a job.I am already in the job and i was just checking out how i am doing my job.The woman i talked to just now,I do her home's gardening work!"

God,Why?

Me: God, can I ask you a question?
God: Sure.
Me: Promise you won't get mad.
God: I promise.
Me: Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do you mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late.
God: Yes.
Me: My car took forever to start.
God: Okay.
Me: At lunch they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait.
God: Huummm.
Me: On the way home, my pho ne went dead, just as I picked up a call.
God: All right.
Me: And on top of it all, when I got home I just wanted to soak my feet in my
new foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work!!!
Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
God: Let me see, the Death Angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send
one of the other angels to battle him for your life.
I let you sleep through that.
Me: (humbled): OH...
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route
that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed): Oh...
God: The first person who made your sandwich
today was sick and I didn't want
you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to mi ss work.
Me: (embarrassed): Ok...
God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give
false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to
them so you would be covered.
Me: (softly) I see, God.
God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out
all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the
dark.
Me: I'm sorry, God.
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me.....in all things, the good and
the bad.
Me: I will trust you.
God: And don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your plan.
Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today.
God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God, and I love
looking after my children.


COURTESY: K.Parthasarathi Sir's email,a fellow blogger
visit his blog
www.kparthas.blogspot.com

Your learning ends today!

There was a sculptor whose works were magnificient and used to make a living by selling his sculptures.He had a great desire to make his son a great scultpor than him.So he daily taught his son the art.Day by day the son learnt everything quickly and started to work on his art.People started to buy his sculptures.The father's work were sold at 20000 and son's for 5000.Father used to advice son regarding the improvements which son used to follow accordingly.From then on the son's works were sold at 10000.Then gradually father gave away all the intricate secrets of sculpting.Thereafter the son's works were sold at 25000.One day,Father suggested few improvements to one of his works and snap came the reply from the son,"Father! I think what i have done is perfect because my works are being sold at more prices than you.".Father calmly said smiling,"Son! your learning and education ends today!", and walked away.

Moral: When someone realizes he is wise and becomes arrogant ,he starts to become a fool!

Why me?

Tennis legend Arthur Ash was diagnosed with cancer.The news spread like a wildfire all throughout the world.Fan letters started pouring offering him solace,condolensces.
One fan had written,"There are billions of people in this world.Why did God choose you particularly for a dangerous disease like this?"
Arthur wrote back,"Thank you for your concern.In this world, 5 crores kids start playing tennis in their childhood.Out of them only 50 lakh learn tennis properly.5 lakh enter professional tennis.50 thousand play in professional matches.Only 5000 play in Grandslams.50 play at Wimbledon.Only 4 out of them enter semi finals.2 play finals and only 1 win.When i picked the Wimbldon Grandslam with so much joy,I didnt ask God,"Why me?". When am in pain today, Am not supposed to ask God,"Why me?"

When God laughs!

God laughs on many occasions.Two such are given below
He laughs when the physician says to the patient's relative,"Dont be afraid, i shall certainly cure your family member".God laughs saying to himself ,"I am going to take the life of this person and he is saying he will save.The doctor thinks he is the master."
God laughs again when two brothers divide their land,saying to each other,"This is mine and that is yours". God laughs and says to himself,"The universe belongs to Me but they say they own this portion or that portion"

courtesy :spiritual india