A Maharaja decided to walk around his kingdom to see how his people were doing. Just few steps out of his castle, his foot was injured by a stone lying unseen on the road. He thought, “So, the roads in my kingdom are this bad. I have got to get them fixed.”
The Maharaja then summoned all his ministers. He ordered that all the roads in his kingdom be covered with the best of leathers. The ministers started getting the things ready, gathering the cows from the whole country to be made into leather.
Amongst such extraordinary busyness, a wise renunciate came to see the Maharaja. He said to him, “O, Powerful One, why make so much leather to cover the roads spreading throughout the country when actually what you really need is just two pieces of leather to cover your soles?
At that momentous time, what we call ‘Sandals’ were invented.
Source [Slightly adapted]
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
A bizarre story but a fun one for a Friday. It does highlight, though, that what we think we need and what we actually need are often two very different things. Moreover, it is often other people who have a better idea of what we need and it pays to listen when trusted friends tell you what you may not always want to hear.
Have a fun filled weekend one and all. If anyone can find time for a quick prayer for “me Ma” (it’s the anniversary of her death today) I’d be grateful. I’m sure she’d be telling me a lot of stuff I’d rather not hear if she was still around
Simon,
I will remember your mother at Mass this evening.
I took the same point as you did from this story, what we need and what we want are frequently not the same thing.
Paul
this is a awesome story
Simon, I will definitely pray for your Mom and you because I know how difficult these days can be. Good weekend to all.
I think it means that you don’t or can’t change everybody else, you have to work on yourself to be the change you want to see or be!
Mary Ann,
I hadn’t seen that side to it. Good for you!
Paul
I think these are all correct. For me, it’s a reminder that I need to step back and slow down, when I am ready to slaughter a couple thousand cows in response to a stubbed toe.
It’s been that kind of week with my teenagers.
Simon — prayers. Have a peaceful day.
Denise,
We all need to take a step back and slow down more often than we do.
Paul
Reminds me of how nec and easy it is to think out of the box.
Prayers and peace to you, Simon.
In some ways rather appropriate for the begining of the fortenight for freedom.
I enjoyed the reminder to reflect before jumping in with both feet…
May everyone find a moment or two of grace no matter what your weekend brings!
This made me crack into laughter. Where do you find your wisdom stories? They are so nice and inspiring. Definately made my day. Thanks and God bless you.