A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different.
He called all the young executives in his company together. 'It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO,' he said. 'I have decided to choose one of you.' The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. 'I am going to give each one of you a seed today - a very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO.'
One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Every day, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.
After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.
Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.
Six months went by - still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - he so wanted the seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick at his stomach. It was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right.
He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful.......in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed. A few felt sorry for him!
When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. 'My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown,' said the CEO. 'Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!'
All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, 'The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!' When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed. Jim told him the story. The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, 'Here is your next Chief Executive! His name is Jim!'
Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new CEO the others said? Then the CEO said, 'One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.' When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you.
Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive!'
Moral:
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment.
If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Wooden Bowl Story
I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor." So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl! When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the table cloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the samething as making a "life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn!
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor." So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl! When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the table cloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the samething as making a "life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Nowadays
Alot of unbelievable stuffs are happening to me these few weeks. I don't know how to write it or post it in the blog. Its just amazing and overwhelming.
I am busy for every single day. Only get to sleep few hours everyday. I feel so tired... But i guess everything is worth it.
Anyway i always didn't mention this person in my blog before. Today it shall be the first time. The only person that i can have a heart to heart or intellectual talk with. Thanks for spending your whole week of leave seeing my face. Though you are irritating, but im glad you are always there. You promise the Ramen.. but you failed to deliver. Like always.. Good nite.
I am busy for every single day. Only get to sleep few hours everyday. I feel so tired... But i guess everything is worth it.
Anyway i always didn't mention this person in my blog before. Today it shall be the first time. The only person that i can have a heart to heart or intellectual talk with. Thanks for spending your whole week of leave seeing my face. Though you are irritating, but im glad you are always there. You promise the Ramen.. but you failed to deliver. Like always.. Good nite.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's day
Seeing roses everywhere. Couples hand in hand... When i saw that, i was smiling to myself. I'm just happy for them who found their love who they can share their lives with.
What a lonely day for me, still thought that i will be working night shift so that i wont be affected so much. In the end, they want to let me to go home early for the night. What for man... I don't even have a girlfriend to spend with.
The past 4 yrs of valentine's day was fun. Cracking my brain to think of presents n words to write. Making roses until i sweat so much. Buy roses and thinking how to romantic. Haha. Seeing your valentine smile and happy is the best reward you can have.
Anyway wish that you can enjoy this day with your date and be happy. Others is not important. When you love someone, most importantly is to let him/her to be happy. Men cannot be so selfish. All the best...
P.S To those i can't make it to go out with tonight.. No offence. I just want to be alone. Thank you and have fun!
What a lonely day for me, still thought that i will be working night shift so that i wont be affected so much. In the end, they want to let me to go home early for the night. What for man... I don't even have a girlfriend to spend with.
The past 4 yrs of valentine's day was fun. Cracking my brain to think of presents n words to write. Making roses until i sweat so much. Buy roses and thinking how to romantic. Haha. Seeing your valentine smile and happy is the best reward you can have.
Anyway wish that you can enjoy this day with your date and be happy. Others is not important. When you love someone, most importantly is to let him/her to be happy. Men cannot be so selfish. All the best...
P.S To those i can't make it to go out with tonight.. No offence. I just want to be alone. Thank you and have fun!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Dependent Origination
Where is the source of human grief, lamentation, pain and agony? Is it not to be found in the fact that people are generally ignorant and also willful?
They cling obstinately to lives of wealth and honour, comfort and pleasure, excitement and egoism, ignorant of the fact that the desire for these very things is the source of human suffering.
From its beginning, the world has been filled with a succession of calamities, over and above the unavoidable facts of illness, old age and death.
But if one carefully considers all the facts, one must be convinced that at the basis of all suffering lies the principle of craving desire. If avarice can be removed, human suffering will come to an end.
Because of their ignorance, people are always thinking wrong thoughts and always losing the right point of view. Clinging to their egos, they take wrong actions. As a results, they become attached to a delusive existence.
In reality, therefore, it is their own mind that causes the delusions of grief, lamentation, pain and agony. Be the master of your own mind. Control your thoughts and not let your desire overule youself. If the latter happens, in a moment of folly, you might do something that you will never do in your normal state. Thats how most of the murders and raping of women happens. When these happens, you will be due for heavy punishment.
There is 3 kinds of main karmic effects.
1. Bodily karma: intentional actions through the body.
2. Verbal karma: intentional actions through speech.
3. Mental karma: intentional actions through the mind.
Mental karma is considered to be the most significant because it is the origin of all other karma. Thought precedes action through body and speech. Bodily and verbal deeds are derived from mental karma. E.g. When you have an evil thought of using a baseball bat to hit someone, you might think its alright as since its just a thought and you are not doing it. But one day when you see that person and when you really get angry, this mental thought will cause you to really hit that person. If this thought doesn't exist in your mind, all these happenings won't be able to take place!
Alot of people are ignorant that the fact of a single small evil thought in your mind will still plant a bad karmic seed. They think that since nobody will know what is on their mind, so its alright to have evil thoughts. Every thoughts and every actions are being recorded down. Believe it or not. When the day that you need to leave this world comes, you shall know what i'm saying is true or not.
Whether you want to grief or happily leave this world is all up to you....
They cling obstinately to lives of wealth and honour, comfort and pleasure, excitement and egoism, ignorant of the fact that the desire for these very things is the source of human suffering.
From its beginning, the world has been filled with a succession of calamities, over and above the unavoidable facts of illness, old age and death.
But if one carefully considers all the facts, one must be convinced that at the basis of all suffering lies the principle of craving desire. If avarice can be removed, human suffering will come to an end.
Because of their ignorance, people are always thinking wrong thoughts and always losing the right point of view. Clinging to their egos, they take wrong actions. As a results, they become attached to a delusive existence.
In reality, therefore, it is their own mind that causes the delusions of grief, lamentation, pain and agony. Be the master of your own mind. Control your thoughts and not let your desire overule youself. If the latter happens, in a moment of folly, you might do something that you will never do in your normal state. Thats how most of the murders and raping of women happens. When these happens, you will be due for heavy punishment.
There is 3 kinds of main karmic effects.
1. Bodily karma: intentional actions through the body.
2. Verbal karma: intentional actions through speech.
3. Mental karma: intentional actions through the mind.
Mental karma is considered to be the most significant because it is the origin of all other karma. Thought precedes action through body and speech. Bodily and verbal deeds are derived from mental karma. E.g. When you have an evil thought of using a baseball bat to hit someone, you might think its alright as since its just a thought and you are not doing it. But one day when you see that person and when you really get angry, this mental thought will cause you to really hit that person. If this thought doesn't exist in your mind, all these happenings won't be able to take place!
Alot of people are ignorant that the fact of a single small evil thought in your mind will still plant a bad karmic seed. They think that since nobody will know what is on their mind, so its alright to have evil thoughts. Every thoughts and every actions are being recorded down. Believe it or not. When the day that you need to leave this world comes, you shall know what i'm saying is true or not.
Whether you want to grief or happily leave this world is all up to you....
Monday, February 4, 2008
隨緣
Here is a story that i wanna share with you......
Long time ago... There is a man who is supposed to get married with his girlfriend on this certain date. But when the date comes, his girlfriend left him and married another man.
This man became so devastated.. He fell ill and couldn't get out of his bed. His family members used all types of methods to help him but to no avail. A monk came by this area and heard of this story, so he decided to help this man to get out of his misery.
He went into his room and ask him to look into a special mirror. In that mirror, he saw a woman's corspe lying naked by the sea. Then a man walked by, take a look at the body, shake his head and left.
The second man walked by, took off his clothes and put it on the woman's body and walked away. The third man walked by, he dug a hole and carefully buried the woman's body.
The monk said to him," That woman is your girlfriend's past life and you are the second man who gave her your shirt. So the reason why both of you will be together in this life is because she is just returning you the favour.
But for the third man who buried her, she needs to repay him for her whole lifetime and that is her current husband... After listening to it, the man finally become enlighten and recover from his illness....
For many of us, when our love ones leave us, we are often trapped in deep misery. But always remember this story as for the one who left us, they are just returning a favour or you are returning the favour. Your true love will come one day... Lets wait for that faithful day. What is yours, shall be yours. Nobody can take that away from you. 隨緣............
Sorry for the broken english.. Its hard to translate a chinese story to english. Good night folks.
Long time ago... There is a man who is supposed to get married with his girlfriend on this certain date. But when the date comes, his girlfriend left him and married another man.
This man became so devastated.. He fell ill and couldn't get out of his bed. His family members used all types of methods to help him but to no avail. A monk came by this area and heard of this story, so he decided to help this man to get out of his misery.
He went into his room and ask him to look into a special mirror. In that mirror, he saw a woman's corspe lying naked by the sea. Then a man walked by, take a look at the body, shake his head and left.
The second man walked by, took off his clothes and put it on the woman's body and walked away. The third man walked by, he dug a hole and carefully buried the woman's body.
The monk said to him," That woman is your girlfriend's past life and you are the second man who gave her your shirt. So the reason why both of you will be together in this life is because she is just returning you the favour.
But for the third man who buried her, she needs to repay him for her whole lifetime and that is her current husband... After listening to it, the man finally become enlighten and recover from his illness....
For many of us, when our love ones leave us, we are often trapped in deep misery. But always remember this story as for the one who left us, they are just returning a favour or you are returning the favour. Your true love will come one day... Lets wait for that faithful day. What is yours, shall be yours. Nobody can take that away from you. 隨緣............
Sorry for the broken english.. Its hard to translate a chinese story to english. Good night folks.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Tears
I used to drop alot of tears whenever it comes to relationship problems. So many types of mixed feelings. So silly that i wanted to end my life..
I guess thats just part of growing up. Understanding love and experiencing the problems of love. Its been a few months already. Hope that you are doing fine and feeling happy. You will always be part of my prayers. Keeping you safe and sound. Thats the end of my first love story. 1514 days. This will be my last drop of tears for you.... :'(
When i cry again, i won't cry for myself. Those shedded tears can fill the ocean a million times over. From now onwards, i will only cry for others.....
I guess thats just part of growing up. Understanding love and experiencing the problems of love. Its been a few months already. Hope that you are doing fine and feeling happy. You will always be part of my prayers. Keeping you safe and sound. Thats the end of my first love story. 1514 days. This will be my last drop of tears for you.... :'(
When i cry again, i won't cry for myself. Those shedded tears can fill the ocean a million times over. From now onwards, i will only cry for others.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)