A few people lately have reminded me of the Chinese parable “The Old Man and His Horse.” You’ve probably heard it. I publish it here not to say that all your problems are actually blessings. But what can often seem like a misfortune can turn into a very good thing. I’ve seen this happen lately and it gives me hope that there’s more lemonade ahead for me.
The Old Man and his Horse (a.k.a. Sai Weng Shi Ma)
Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before — such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength.
People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. “This horse is not a horse to me,” he would tell them. “It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend.” The man was poor and the temptation was great. But he never sold the horse.
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A very good lesson in being nonjudgmental – have never heard that one! Certainly like the horse theme! Thanks for the post.
Very nice story.
There are so many stories in the Chinese culture.
Another one about horses (and to some extent on being wise) is about the painter who only paints horses who eventually become alive, are used for war and in the end go back into the paiting because they have not bee treated properly.
Not sure if you can tell this one…
Great story, we should all learn this lesson.