One day a man came to the Teacher and asked to teach him how to achieve success in life. The sage forced him to climb into a barrel of water and plunge headlong. Then he held his head down with all his might so that he could not get up. Finally, with great effort, he stood up, overcoming resistance, and sighed. ‘What did you want when you overcame my resistance?’ asked the sage. “Breathe,” answered the student. - And what else? - Nothing else. - This is what it is...

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Parable: The Farmer and the Well

31.03.2019 . Proverbs

A clever Sufi parable about work: One day Jalaluddin Rumi - the great Sufi mystic - led his disciples to a field where for many months a farmer had been trying to dig a well. The disciples didn’t really want to go there: what was the point? Whatever the master wanted to say, he could say here. However, Jalaliddin insisted: “Come with me.” Without this you will not be able to understand what I am talking about. It turned out that the farmer did the following: starting...

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Parable about work: an apple falling into your hands

A parable about work and the attitude towards money: One merchant gave his son one Abbasi (Persian silver coin) every day and said: - Take it, son, take care and try to save money. The son threw this money into the water. The father found out about this, but said nothing. The son did nothing, did not work, ate and drank at his father’s house. One day a merchant said to his relatives: “If my son comes to you and asks for money, don’t give it.” Then he called his son...

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Parable about the artists

16.03.2019 . Proverbs

One day, while wandering around the country, Hing Shi came to a city where the best masters of painting gathered that day and arranged a competition among themselves for the title of the best artist in China. Many skilled craftsmen took part in this competition, and they presented many beautiful paintings to the eyes of strict judges. The competition was already drawing to a close when the judges suddenly found themselves confused. They had to choose the best of the two remaining paintings. In confusion they looked at the beautiful paintings, whispered among themselves and looked for...

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Parable: Money or hostility?

Taoist parable: Lieh Tzu learned to shoot. Having hit the target, he asked for instructions from the Border Guard. The Guardian of the Borders asked a question: “Do you know why you hit the target?” - Don't know. - So, I haven’t mastered the skill yet. Lieh Tzu left, practiced for three years, and came back to report. The Guardian of the Borders asked: “Do you know why you hit the target?” “I know,” answered Le Tzu. “Now you have mastered the skill!” Keep and don't forget! Do this by learning more than just shooting...

About work and idleness

One day two monks met on the road and, to pass the time, they started talking about work and idleness.

One of them argued that in heaven only labor is held in high esteem, while the other insisted that people value laziness and idleness more.

They argued and argued and decided to turn to the first person they met to judge them and tell them which of them was right and which was wrong.

They look - a peasant is walking along the road. The monks approached him and asked him to become a judge in their dispute.

The peasant did not take long to persuade himself and ordered the monks to ask him questions in turn.

Is your work valuable to you? - the first monk asked the peasant.

He is dear to me, but people don’t value him. “My work is hard, but they pay little for it,” he answered.

It was the second monk's turn to ask a question.

If you had a choice - to work or not to work, in both cases receiving the same income, which would you prefer? - he asked.

“I would do what any other mortal would do in my place,” answered the peasant.

If everyone were hardworking, would you want to live in such a world? - asked the first monk.

If everyone loved work, then no one would want to make it easier. No, I don’t want to live in such a world,” said the peasant.

And so the hardworking monk lost the argument. I should have asked him other questions...

This is the story my grandfather’s great-grandfather’s grandfather heard from the Sacred Bird, the Guardian of the Black Stone.

From the book Messiah. Volume 1 author Rajneesh Bhagwan Shri

13. TELL US ABOUT WORK January 14, 1987. Beloved Master, Then the plowman asked: “Tell us about Work.” And he said in response: “You work so as not to break away from the earth and its soul. For to be a slacker means to become a stranger for the seasons and get out of the procession of life moving towards

From the book The Big Money Book. How to make money author Bogdanovich Vitaly

“A cup of peace” in life, service and work Most often our “sincere” desires to have a “million euro” (dollars, pounds, marks, pesetas) turn out to be an illusion. This number says nothing to our subconscious. Moreover, for consciousness this amount looks very cinematic -

From the book Two Lives author Antarova Kora Evgenievna

Chapter XXIX. Tower of the elements of nature in the laboratory of the Lord-Head. His explanations to me and the tower of the elements in space. Guardians of the elements, their work and role in the transmission of creative inspiration. Great Teacher Maha-Chohan. His role in world labor. The last instruction of the Lord-Head to me and

Indian parable

One day, while digging in his plot, a peasant found a pebble. The pebble looked very beautiful, and the peasant thought that his children might like it. They could play with him, because he is so beautiful, so he brought the pebble home. Children are everywhere...

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    Concern for parents Modern parable

    One day, the teacher noticed that one of her students had withdrawn into himself and was sitting in thought. - Is something bothering you? - she asked. “My parents,” the boy answered. - My father works from morning to evening to feed and clothe me, and also...

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    Clueless heir Parable from Dmitry Kolganov

    One rich loving father left his palace to the Heir, Built to the very sky, From wood of unprecedented species. The carvings on the walls were such that a sober head was spinning - the sandalwood decorated with flowers smelled like a rare flower garden, And the evil lions...

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    God gave Modern parable

    Two people were walking down the street. One told the other how hard he worked to make his wife feel good. At some point he stopped and, looking at his palms with outstretched fingers, shouted loudly: “I’m doing everything with these hands, with these...

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    Wealth Christian parable

    In one city there lived a rich merchant, and he had three sons. He was a good trader, resourceful and managed to make a huge fortune. When they asked him why he needed such wealth and so much trouble, he answered: “I am all in work, trying to provide for my sons, ...

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    To be a general's wife Parable from Andrey Yakushev

    Two friends met and started talking about personal cars. One said to the other: “I don’t want my car.” I want to be taken everywhere. - Who would drive you? - the friend clarified. - My man. - Well, this is only possible when you get to know each other. ...

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    What is the strength of the ship Parable by Emile-Auguste Chartier

    Alain thought about what a beautiful thing this sailboat is, tilting in the wind and swiftly cutting through the waves with its bow. The wind inflates and tilts its sail, and its keel rests on the water and, under the pressure of the wind, slides where the keel is directed. Yes, sideways...

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    Great truth Parable from Avetik Isahakyan

    Once upon a time there lived a very rich man. He decided to build a large building. He hired many craftsmen and workers. From morning to evening he watched the construction of his building, got up at dawn, and returned home after sunset. The building grew with every...

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    Grapes after 30 years Sufi parable

    A man planted grapes, but of a variety that begins to bear fruit only after thirty years. It so happened that when the man was planting him, the Commander of the Faithful passed by, stopped and said: “You are a great optimist if you hope to live...

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    Delicious food Burmese parable

    Once upon a time there lived a rich man. He had two sons. Before his death, he called his sons and divided all his property between them, saying: “Always eat only tasty food.” Never eat something that doesn't taste good! Having said this, the father died. The youngest son, following the covenant...

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    Water pipes Business parable from Robert Kiyosaki

    Once upon a time there was an unusual village. It was a wonderful place, if not for a big problem. There was no water in the village, although it rained sometimes. To get rid of this problem once and for all, the elders decided to sign an agreement on...

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    Leader and Private Fable by Vladimir Shebzukhov

    More than once an ordinary wolf was jealous, How the leader wolf led the pack. Having learned about this, the leader said to him: - So replace me, I’m tired of Tracking down a deer, hiding, Rushing into a fight first, without fear, Sharing the spoils, not offending everyone, Spending an hour or two so that...

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    Wolf and Raven Eastern parable

    The wolf has a bone stuck in its throat. He could not swallow at all and was in great pain. Suddenly he saw a raven sitting on a tree. The wolf began to beg him to help him. The raven had mercy on him, came up to him, stuck its beak into the wolf's mouth and pulled it out...

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    Oxen and Axe Aesop's Fable

    The oxen pulled the cart, and the axle creaked; They turned around and said to her: “Oh, you!” We carry all the weight, and you moan? So it is with some people: others work, but they pretend to be exhausted.

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    Little Crow and Raven Fable by Alexander Apartsev

    In a flock of crows there lived a Little Crow, A rare talent awakened in him - He sang!.. It is possible that from the cradle He listened to the songs of the camp gypsies. He imitated, and in this imitation Burned with fire and thus showed his ardor, He was so artistic and zealous, That he conquered...

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    Little crow near the manure Parable from Vladimir Shebzukhov

    • Parables teach and entertain, breathe folk wisdom and provide simple answers to complex questions. There is something for everyone in them:

    Parable about the main question

    That day, as if on purpose, each visitor asked the teacher only one, the most important question: “What will happen after death?”
    The teacher only smiled and did not answer.
    Afterwards, the students asked why he kept avoiding answering.
    – Have you noticed that those who don’t know what to do with this life are interested in the afterlife? They need another life that would last forever,” answered the Teacher.
    – Still, is there life after death or not? – one of the students persisted.
    “Is there life before death, that is the question,” noted the Teacher.

    The Parable of Foolish Work


    A hunter was walking through the forest and met a woodcutter. Bent over, he sawed the fallen tree for a long time and persistently. Sweat poured from his face in a stream, and his whole body was very tense. The hunter came closer to see why the work was moving so slowly and with such enormous difficulty.

    - Yes, your saw is completely dull! - the hunter turned to the woodcutter. - Why don't you sharpen it?
    - What do you! – the woodcutter exclaimed, looking in surprise at the passerby. – I have absolutely no time for this, I need to cut down 20 more trees!

    And the woodcutter went back to work.

    Morality: hard work is, of course, good, but do not forget from time to time to question the effectiveness of the efforts expended - perhaps a small investment of time or money will allow you to do the work much faster and with better quality.

    A parable about peace in the heart

    The master said: “When I was young, I often went alone to the lake and meditated. I had a small boat and could swim and think for hours. One day at dawn, as night slowly turned into morning, I sat with my eyes closed and meditated.

    Suddenly, someone’s boat hit mine and disrupted all this morning harmony. How angry this made me! I was about to curse the owner of the boat, but I opened my eyes and saw that the boat was empty. I had no one to take out my anger on. So I just closed my eyes and tried to find harmony within myself again.

    When the sun rose, I found peace within myself. The empty boat became my teacher. Since then, if someone tries to offend me, I just tell myself:
    “And this boat is empty too.”

    Parable of the Proud Cedar

    A cedar grew in one garden. Every year he matured and became taller and more handsome. Its lush crown towered royally above the other trees and cast a thick shadow on them. But the more he grew and stretched upward, the more exorbitant arrogance grew in him.

    Looking down on everyone with contempt, he once shouted imperiously:
    - Take away this pathetic hazel! - And the tree was cut down at the root.
    - Free me from the proximity of the obnoxious fig tree! “She bothers me with her stupid appearance,” the capricious cedar ordered another time, and the fig tree suffered the same fate.

    Satisfied with himself, proudly swaying his branches, the arrogant handsome man did not let up:
    - Clear the area around me of old pears and apple trees! - and the trees were used for firewood.
    So the restless cedar ordered to destroy all the trees one by one, becoming the sovereign master in the garden, from whose former beauty only stumps remained.

    But one day a strong hurricane struck. The arrogant cedar resisted him with all its might, holding tightly to the ground with its powerful roots. And the wind, not meeting any other trees on its way, freely pounced on the lonely standing handsome man, mercilessly breaking, crushing and bending him down. Finally, the tormented cedar could not withstand the furious blows, cracked and fell to the ground.

    Leonardo da Vinci

    Parable about the janitor


    A man comes to work as a janitor at Microsoft. In the HR department they ask him questions, conduct tests and finally tell him:
    - Congratulations, you are accepted. Leave your e-mail - we will notify you about our work schedule.
    “Actually, I don’t even have a computer,” the man admits, “and even less so an e-mail.”
    - Unfortunately, then we cannot employ you. You are virtually absent, but prompt communication with all Microsoft employees via e-mail and coordination of effective teamwork is a key issue in our company.

    There is nothing to do, the person leaves and begins to think about how he can earn money for a computer. In your pocket - $30. He buys 10 kg of apples from a farmer, goes out onto a busy street and sells “tasty and healthy eco-products.” In a few hours, his starting capital doubles, and after 6 hours - 10 times. Then he realizes that at this rate he can live without an employer.

    Time passes, a person buys a car, first opens a small stall, then a store, and after 5 years he is the owner of a supermarket chain. And so he comes to insure his business, and the insurance agent asks him to leave his e-mail for lucrative offers. Our businessman, like many years ago, answers that he has neither e-mail nor a computer.

    - Simply amazing! – the insurer is surprised, – such a huge business – and there isn’t even a personal computer! What would you achieve if you had it?!

    To which the businessman replies:
    “Then I would become a janitor for Microsoft.”

    Morality: if you don’t have something, maybe you don’t need it?

    Labor is the basis of foundations, the beginning of beginnings, the strength of strength. Working is troublesome and hard, but everything in life comes from work. You can weave a cunning verbal lace about work, you can tell a fairy tale.

    “How work changes a person”
    Author of the tale: Iris Review

    Mitrofan became completely lazy. And he complains to his neighbors:
    — I got sick, all sorts of ailments began to cling.

    The people have already begun to sow the fields with wheat, but Mitrofan is still groaning.

    And then one day the main worker named Trud Ivanovich came knocking on Mitrofan’s door and sternly asked:

    - Answer, Mitrofan, in good faith, why don’t you start sitting down?

    — I was a little sick.

    - Do you know, Mitrofan, that a person gets sick from laziness, but gets healthy from work? - Trud Ivanovich asked him.

    Mitrofan got up, put on his belt, and went into the field. And everyone is working there. And Trud Ivanovich is here. He winks at some, scolds at others, but he helps everyone.

    And he helped Mitrofan when he started working. Trud Ivanovich was glad that Mitrofan had stopped being lazy. That's right, a guy can't sit on a stove forever.

    But Mitrofan, after working, became completely different: his cheeks turned pink, his eyes sparkled. Where have the illnesses gone? They probably fled to the kingdom of Mother Sloth.

    Yes, it’s not in vain that the proverb says: “A person gets sick from laziness, but from work he gets healthy.”

    Questions for the fairy tale “How a person’s work changes”

    Why didn’t Mitrofan start sowing?

    Who sent Mitrofan to the field?

    Did Mitrofan’s work change him?

    Who helped Mitrofan in his work?

    Should people help each other at work?

    Why does a person get sick from laziness, but gets healthy from work?

    What other proverbs about work do you know?