"Much wisdom can be realized from a story if we calm the mind and reflect silently."

1. There was once a little bird who decided to rebel against
tradition, and when it came time to fly south for the winter,
he decided to stay behind. All the other birds flew south for
the warmer weather, leaving the rebellious one alone.
Of course, it wasn't long before the little bird discovered he
had made a terrible mistake. Winter set in and it became
very cold. So, he decided that he had better take off and fly
south like his friends.
He started flying, but didn't get very far before the cold
north wind began to freeze his wings, and he went
plummeting down, down, down ... He fell straight down from
the sky, through an open hole in the rooftop of a nearby
barn, and directly into a fresh pile of cow dung.
Well, the warmth thawed out his wings, and soon he was
feeling fine again. But, as his little head popped out from
the smelly dung, along came a cat who plucked him up and
ate him.
Reflection
* How often have we acted foolishly without careful thought
and contemplation? Foolish impulsive actions could lead to
painful consequences.
* One cannot really know what is in store ahead ... one's
destiny is unknown and uncertain. One 'fortunate' or 'good'
happening can be soon followed by a most 'unfortunate'
happening.
* Live mindfully. Be more in the 'NOW'. The future is
uncertain. Live a life of positive thoughts, positive speech
and positive actions ... Nature will take its course. One's
'destiny' will be shaped by a series of 'causes and effects'.
Story To
Reflect
Upon 71
A Rebellious
Bird

2. A Happy Cat
There is a story told about a cat who discovered that
happiness was in his tail.
He kept trying over and over to get it, but all he could do
was run around in circles.
Exhausted and frustrated, with this endless pursuit, he
eventually stopped.
And then, he discovered that if he'd just go on about his life
then the tail would follow him wherever he went.
Reflection
* In life, we pursue happiness in the outside world
little realizing that true happiness lies within our
mind.
* It's only when we learn to train the mind into
stillness and contentment can there be real
peace, happiness and freedom.
* The more we 'chase' after happiness with so
much energy expended, the more will happiness
slip away. It's only when we settle the mind and
'flow ' with the stream of life, engaging mindfully
in positive things that help develop our wisdom
and compassion, will happiness and peace arise
within our minds.
* There is a wise saying : "Happiness is not a
destination but lies in life's journey."
Story To
Reflect Upon 72