Helping the World

Once there was a monk who lived up in the mountains. One day a young seeker came to meet him in search of wisdom. 

The young seeker asked, "Why do you spend your time meditating? Should not our duty be to help people by doing charitable work for the betterment of the world?"

The monk questioned, "What is the meaning of the world?"

The young man thought for some time and said, "I think the world means everything around us."

The monk then explained, "The world is such a vague term. The world is made not only of people but animals, insects, plants, water, air, soil and many things which are beyond our senses. You can never help the world because the world is enormous and you are just a microscopic part of this vast universe. People are always entangled in their own ego-boosting game. Whatever you do, if you are not doing it with the awareness of the impermanence of your act and the world, you are just playing with your ego. It does not matter if it's the act of charity or the act of cruelty."

-Rajendra

The Lion, the Wolf, and the Fox

Once the mighty king of the forest, the lion fell ill and could not recover for a long time. The lion was attended by a wolf and a fox. For some reason, the fox was absent for a few days. When the fox was back, he overheard the wolf saying to the lion, "Your majesty, the fox is planning to overthrow your regime. He has not been here because he is planning for the treason."

The fox appeared before the lion and said, "Your majesty, I was really worried about your health. So, I've been travelling far and wide to consult with the best physicians. Now, I am glad that I know the cure to your illness. The physician said you need to be wrapped with the pelt of a freshly killed wolf."

The lion then pounced at the wolf and killed it at once.   

Moral: Conspiracy begets conspiracy.

Based on Aesop's fable

The Mountain And The Squirrel

The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel,
And the former called the latter
"Little prig."
Bun replied,
"You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together
To make up a year
And a sphere.
And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I'm not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry:
I'll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track.
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson