Wisdom Through Parables and Aphorisms.
Of Humans and Spiritual Focus.
Sharing parables from the saints, and some colloquial wisdom, with a focus on the spiritual today.
Parable
A destitute seeker of alms approached an Emperor to ask him for gold coins during the appointed hour that the Emperor had set to meet people like him. The sentry at the entrance asked him to wait outside the Emperor’s hall because the Emperor was in prayer.
Waiting, the alms seeker heard the Emperor’s voice, “Almighty God, bestow wealth on me, bestow health and prosperity, and bestow peace and power to me, keep my enemies far, and my loved ones near.”
The alms-seeker turned and quietly left the Hall. The sentry surprised asked him why he was leaving without getting his gift. The alms-seeker said, “I heard the Emperor begging God for wealth and abundance. When I can go to the source directly, why should I seek it of the Emperor?”
Parable (Adapted)
God, it is said, laughs on two occasions.
First, when a doctor assures a patient that he has nothing to worry about because the doctor will cure him, God laughs at the doctor’s ego, because life and death are determined by Him, not the doctor. On the second occasion, He laughs when two men fight over a piece of land, claiming, ‘This is mine, this is mine.’ For they know not, that all the land in this Universe belongs to Him.
Implication: The false sense of control and ownership that individuals have is misplaced and misleading. A good explanation can be found here.
Aphorism
Literal Saying: God’s wish without, one leaf also will not move.
Without God’s approval or consent, not even a single leaf will stir or move.
Meaning: Without God’s will, nothing happens. The movement of a leaf symbolizes the minutest details of existence, emphasizing God's awareness of every aspect of creation.
Usage: This is a very common saying. It is used to reinforce God as omniscient and omnipotent. Generally used to counsel patience, and to comfort someone to not worry. Also used when something good happens to confirm that God has blessed you. In challenging times or when faced with uncertainties, it serves as a reminder that everything is under divine control, and one should be patient, trusting in God's plan.
Aphorism
Literal Saying: God When He Gives, Thatched Roof Tearing It, Gives.
When God gives, He gives unlimitedly by breaking the thatched roof.
Meaning: The metaphor of "roof tearing" signifies the magnitude and abundance of God's gifts. The roof colloquially refers to a multiple-layered thatched roof (‘chhappar’) of olden times. The phrase suggests that God's generosity knows no bounds, and His gifts are beyond what one might expect, even if delayed.
Usage: This is also a very common saying. It has varied use cases: Sometimes, used to offer solace and encouragement during challenging periods. Elders counsel patience, and provide hope, that God will bestow aplenty when He eventually gives. God's benevolence can manifest unexpectedly and abundantly. So it is used when a person has their wishes fulfilled after a tough period, to compliment the person and praise God’s generosity.
Does it resonate?
So many to offer. Here are two:
1. There’s nothing so whole as a broken heart.
2. Q.: Who is closer to heaven, a person on the top rungs of a ladder or a person on the bottom rungs? A.: It depends upon the direction in which they’re traveling.
I love the message in the first parable. I also love all of Jesus's parables.
I just love parables, they are such great sources of wisdom. The fact that the lessons are open ended is even better.