The Good
Sometimes we do not understand people simply because we view the world from our own perspective. To understand them, we need to try to see the world through their eyes.
Once, I had a conversation with an esteemed elder. He told me that in times past there lived a man who was very generous and shared without hesitation with those in need. One day, he gave his camel to a simple foot traveler he met on the road. His relative, who witnessed this, was extremely surprised. When they were alone, he asked him:
- Why did you do that? You may never see this person again and will not know his gratitude.
- I did it not for his gratitude, - the man replied. I enjoy sharing with others. If I could, I would explain to you the joy one gets from doing good for others.
Only good can shine forever, even when everything else fades away.
The Burden of Foresight
Many things seem easy only from the outside. But to understand their true significance, one must experience them firsthand.
One man had the gift of foresight. For some unknown reason, he could predict when people would meet their death. When people learned that he had such a gift, they began to avoid him. But he did not understand them. The seer condemned people for their cowardice and believed their fears to be foolish and meaningless. "What is wrong with knowing the term of your life in advance?" he thought. "It only helps to allocate the remaining time properly and prepare for the final hour."
Years went by, and one day the seer began to notice his own stinginess. He knew that senseless hoarding was a sign of impending death.
I am dying, - he realized. And then, for the first time in his life, the seer understood that he did not want to know when it would happen. Death, which seemed simple and mundane when it came to others, suddenly became terrifying and frightening as it approached him.
Almighty, take away my gift; I do not want to know when my hour will come! - he prayed. It was easy for him to predict others' deaths, but it turned out to be unbearably difficult to await his own.