When a rushing stream reaches an impassable desert, it discovers that its familiar ways will only lead to disappearing into a stagnant marsh. Idries Shah’s famous Sufi allegory reveals that true transformation…
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Snow White and the seven dwarfs
The timeless tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs remains one of the world’s most cherished fables, but its journey to becoming a global classic reveals a fascinating history of how…
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Unexpected wisdom from a bird
When a man releases a captured bird in exchange for three pieces of wisdom, he quickly finds himself seduced by a foolish lie about hidden treasure inside the tiny creature. This sharp…
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When Guru Nanak visited Haridwar
Challenging the unthinking practice of inherited traditions, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s encounter at the Ganges offers a timeless lesson in using reason and clarity to see through superficial belief. “Haridwar is one…
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How to deal with insults: The way of the Buddha
When hostility and harsh words are directed our way, our instincts often urge us to defend, react or internalise the pain. Emotional harm requires our implicit consent—without our acceptance, unkindness remains entirely…
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The greater treasure
What seems worthless to a mind seeking worldly relief can become a priceless treasure to a heart seeking spiritual connection. “There is a Sufi story told of how a poor farmer had…
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One-minute wisdom
“Is there such a thing as one-minute wisdom?” asked the disciples. “There certainly is,” said the Master. “But surely one minute is too brief?” “It is fifty-nine seconds too long.” To his…
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The song of the bird
The disciples were full of questions about God. Said the Master, “God is Unknown, the Unknowable. Every statement about him, every answer to your questions, is a distortion of the truth.” The…
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Vigilance
Is there anything I can do to make myself Enlightened? As little as you can do to make the sun rise in the morning. Then of what use are the spiritual exercises…
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“I distinctly remember forgetting it!”
When the Master was a boy at school, a classmate treated him with persistent cruelty. Now, older and contrite, he came to the monastery and was received with open arms. One day,…
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Falling into the cup
Once there were two ants sitting on the rim of a cup that contained amrit, the nectar of immortality. As they were talking, one of the ants lost his balance and was…
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Laughing at yourself
There was nothing pompous about the Master. Wild, hilarious laughter prevailed each time he spoke, to the dismay of those who were solemn about their spirituality, and themselves. Said one disillusioned visitor, “The…