Removing An Obstacle

The Obstacle in Our Path

In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then
he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the
huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest people
came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about
getting the big stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On
approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and
tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his
load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the
boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who
removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what
many others never understand. Every obstacle presents an
opportunity to improve one's condition.

Reflection

• Many self-centered or selfish people would not help to make life easier for others. The DANA spirit is very lacking today.
• Many just complain about trying situations or problems but how many take steps to do anything positive about them?
• Our world will be a better place if more practice mindfulness and compassion for others.
• Good begets good. A positive selfless action taken to help relieve the problem or hardship of others will have good kammic effects.