InspirEmail

InspirEmail No 344 - November 2019 - Shine in your own way
Inspirational messages to refresh the spirit and boost the emotional bank account'

Shine in your own way

A Samurai warrior who was known for his great nobility and honesty, went to visit a monk to ask him for his advice on a matter which troubled him greatly.

When the monk had finished his prayers, the Samurai asked . . . 'Can you tell me why do I feel so inferior? I have faced death many times, have defended those who are in need of help. Nevertheless, upon seeing you meditating, I felt that my life had absolutely no importance whatsoever.'

'Please wait and once I have attended to all those who come to see me today, I shall endeavour to answer your question' . . . replied the monk.

The Samurai warrior spent the whole day sitting in the temple gardens watching the people go in and out in search of advice from the monk. He saw how the monk received them all with the same patience and the same illuminated smile on his face. At the end of the day and when everyone had gone, the Samurai asked the monk . . . 'Now can you answer my question?'

The monk sat with him in the garden are outside his consulting room, a full moon now shone in the sky and the atmosphere was one of profound tranquillity.

'Do you see the moon; how beautiful it is? It will cross the entire firmament and tomorrow the sun will shine once again.' said the monk.

'But sunlight is much brighter and can show the details of the landscape around us such as the trees, mountains and clouds.'

'I have contemplated the two over many years and have never heard the moon say. . . 'why do I not shine like the sun? Is it because I am inferior?'

'Of course, not answered the Samurai. 'The moon and the sun are different things; each has its own beauty and you cannot compare the two.'

'So, you know the answer,' said the monk.

'We are two different people, each fighting in his or her own way for that which they believe in, and making it possible to make the world a better place - the rest are mere appearances.'

Author Unknown


November's Featured Positive Inspirational Story

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- Inspirational Personal Growth Quote -

We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light
Evelyn Dunbar

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A monthly positive inspirational story and quote to refresh your spirit and boost the emotional bank account. InspirEmail was first published in November 2005 and each issue can be viewed in the Archived InspirEmail Directory located below the latest issue of InspirEmail


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