avatarDiana C.

Summary

The web content shares a Sufi parable about two disciples asking their Master if they can smoke while meditating, illustrating how a slight shift in perspective can alter one's experience and the importance of mindset in shaping life's outcomes.

Abstract

The article presents a thought-provoking and humorous Sufi parable set in the garden of a Master's house, where two disciples, who are also smokers, seek permission to smoke during their walking meditation. One disciple asks if he can smoke while meditating and is denied, while the other asks if he can meditate while smoking and receives approval. This anecdote serves as a metaphor for how life is malleable and subject to our interpretations and choices. The author emphasizes that life is an empty canvas, and it is our artistic approach that defines our reality. The story invites readers to reflect on the power of mindset, the questions we ask, and the actions we take, suggesting that these factors ultimately determine our life experiences. The article concludes with an invitation for readers to engage with the story by commenting or submitting their own responses, and it provides links to related transformational stories and the author's blog, "Stepping Into The Canvas®."

Opinions

  • The author believes that the way we frame our questions and actions can significantly impact the outcomes we experience in life.
  • The story suggests that a minor change in wording or perspective can lead to vastly different interpretations and responses.
  • The parable is used to convey a deeper philosophical message about the nature of life and the role of individual agency in creating meaning.
  • The author values the combination of spirituality and humor in storytelling as a means to engage and provoke thought among readers.
  • By encouraging readers to submit their own stories or comment on the article, the author shows a commitment to fostering a community of shared reflection and growth.
  • The mention of "The little book of Sufi parables" as the source indicates the author's appreciation for Sufi teachings and their applicability to contemporary life.
  • The recommendation of Joseph's blog, "Stepping Into The Canvas®," aligns with the article's theme of life as a canvas for personal expression and transformation.

Life Is An Empty Canvas…

Thursday transformational storytelling.

Photo by Kelli Tungay on Unsplash

Happy Thursday everyone!

I have prepared another short, engaging and thought provoking story that I am hopeful you will love. Stories that mix spirituality and humor are definitely my cup of tea and this one ticks all the boxes. Enjoy!

Two disciples of a great Master were walking in the garden of the Master’s house. They were allowed to walk everyday, morning, evening. The walk was a kind of meditation — a walking meditation. You cannot sit for 24 hours: the legs need a little movement, the blood needs a little circulation, so in Zen and in Sufism both, you meditate for a few hours sitting and then you start meditating while walking. The inner current remains the same.

They both were smokers. They both wanted to ask for the permission of the Master, so they both decided: “Tomorrow. At the most, he will say no, but we are going to ask. And it doesn’t seem such a sacrilegious act to smoke in the garden; we will not be smoking in his house itself.”

The next day, they met in the garden. One was furious — furious because the other was smoking and he said:

“What happened? I also asked, but he simply flatly refused and said no. And you are smoking??? Are you not abiding by his orders?”

The other responded: “But he has said yes to me.”

“This looks very unjust. I will go and immediately inquire as to why he said no to me and yes to you.”

The other said: “Wait a minute. Please tell me what you had asked.”

He said: “What I had asked? I had asked a simple thing: Can I smoke while meditating?” and the reply was NO. He also looked very angry.”

The other started laughing: “Now I know what the matter is. I asked ‘Can I meditate while smoking?’ He said yes. It all depends. Just a little difference and life is totally something else. Now asking ‘Can I smoke while meditating?’ is just ugly. But asking ‘Can I meditate while smoking?” — it’s perfectly okay. Good! At least you will be meditating.”

Life is neither misery nor bliss. Life is an empty canvas, and one has to be very artistic about it.

Source: The little book of Sufi parables

Thoughts? Opinions? Please tell me it made you laugh or at least brought a smile on your face. It’s so true, though, isn’t it? Life is what we make of it…Our mindset, choices, actions, what we say and the questions we ask are often the ultimate deciding factors of the outcomes we experience.

On a side note, the title of this story instantly made me think of Joseph and his blog, which I definitely recommend checking out.

If you resonate with this story and find it thought-provoking, feel free to submit something in response to it (using the tag “storytelling”). Else, I encourage you to comment something to this article…Or just reflect. Either way, enjoy!

Spyder Ravyne Hawke Amy Marley Asif Inzamam Devieka Bopiah Pashew Nuri Jean Carfantan Shobnum Alam Dreamer’s Way Daily Thoughts. Patrick Paul Garlinger, Ph.D., J.D. Hope Coalesce The Growth Mindset Gal🌻 Egypt Iredia Estonia Cornett Ed Newman Joseph Lieungh Jogi Mudra Jogi Mudra @ReCentering B. A. Cumberlidge. Roxana Anton Neha Sandhir S Alexandra Blue JohnA Passaro Nirjhor Hasan

Other transformational stories:

Make sure to check the articles written in response to them here.

Storytelling
Short Story
Spiritual Growth
Self Improvement
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