Storytelling meets spiritual wisdom in this enchanting collection of tiny fables. As the title suggests, each story is a concise gem, small enough to fit onto a single page of text. Insightful meditation summaries are also included, adding a splash of inspiration to the mix. Since the stories and meditations are all self-contained, MICROSTORIES can be read from start to finish, or by choosing pages at random. Enjoy.
Excerpt:
THE SILENT SCHOOL
“Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world?” a disciple asked his mentor. “And why doesn’t God do something about it?”
“Let me tell you a story about the silent school,” the sage responded. “Its pupils were boisterous, loving to frolic and explore. Whether playing sport or practical jokes, their lives were dynamic.
“Although they enjoyed freedom and independence, it came at a cost. Loud voices, for example, engendered sore throats. Practical jokes often backfired. And sport sometimes resulted in bumps and bruises, even broken bones.
“As it happened, one day a new headmaster arrived. He imposed a strict set of rules, forbidding students to joke, play sports, make noise and so on. They were no longer allowed to do the things that were a part of being human.
“The new rules transformed the school, emptying the sickbay. There was an eerie silence. The headmaster was thrilled. But then the students started to become lethargic and ill. Their sickness could not be healed.
“Why do we have pain and suffering in the world? Because we inadvertently create it every time we make poor choices. Why doesn’t God stop pain and suffering? Because doing so would restrict our free will.”
The sage leaned forward on his chair. “To reduce pain and suffering, choose wisely in life. Choose acts of love.”
