Once there was an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.
“Maybe,” the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.
“Maybe,” replied the old man.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.
“Maybe,” answered the farmer.
The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.
“Maybe,” said the farmer.
the end
or maybe the beginning..
*****
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year or at the very least, equanimity in the face of whatever changes may come.
♡
There are quite a number of Buddhist parables similar to this. This is a nice variation.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a pretty cool one and, besides, it let me draw some horses.
DeleteSounds like a good example of Jungian Gnosis, or at least a material application thereof. And a Happy New Year to you also.
ReplyDeleteInsofar as it provides psychological insight and a deep lesson about impermanence I'd have to agree, Tom.
DeleteWonderful parable, beautiful art, and a great New Year's wish for equanimity! Thank you Susan, and the same to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to know you enjoyed both parts, Marja-Leena. Our tendency to fixate causes a lot of problems for us and the world at large.
DeleteHappy happy, sweet susan. Trying to watch the usual tv of Andy & Kathy drop the cold red ball... Oy...... Boring I think but what else? Blogger is having usual fits so I'll pray as I hit GO dammit! Irritating! I adore this story, by the way. Things aren't always what they seem . XO
ReplyDeleteOk, that worked & I forgot to tell you how precious is your painting! Oops.... Boink
ReplyDeleteYour comments came through just fine, my sweet, and it's good to hear from you. Nice to know you enjoyed the rest too. Much love and all best wishes for 2014.
Deletexoxo
Change is the order of things
ReplyDeletethe Ol'Buzzard
No building in the transit lounge.
DeleteWonderful drawing and thought-provoking tail.....er, tale. I do think this must be the beginning of something, as in a short time we will be entering the Year of the Horse. Ought to be quite a ride!
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty cool about the Year of the Horse. I didn't think I knew :) If the last few years are any indication you're right about the ride.
DeleteI'm happy you liked the story and the picture.
Are you well? Did you actually pay a visit to the ER recently? Please take care, dear Susan.
ReplyDeleteI'm fine, my friend. I was recalling an old event.
DeleteHi Susan
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy the beauty and simplicity of this message; there are always two sides to the one coin and it pays to keep an open mind.
Lovely drawing to go with the story.
Best wishes for the New Year
I'm very glad you enjoyed it, Lindsay. The message is an excellent one for us all.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you too.
Got my fingers firmly wrapped in my horse's mane so I can gaze at leisure at where we go.... Perhaps. Lovely horses..... And I especially enjoy the riding style of the young equestrian. Happiness in the new year, and a streaming cuppa after your next walk.
ReplyDeleteIt was just a few times I got to ride an unsaddled, unbridled horse, but those were some of the best rides I remember. I'm happy you like my little herd and the intrepid rider :)
DeleteRain all day yesterday washed most of the snow away so we had a great walk earlier - and left some happy beasts enjoying their extra peanut ration.
Raising a cup of lemon ginger tea to you, my friend.
Bengal spice back atcha!
DeleteWith nine day delay: A very happy ride through 2014, dear Susan.
ReplyDeleteI'm not so quick on the uptake myself these days.
DeleteAll the best to you too, dear Sean.
Maybe. Oh yes, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI love the painting to go with this. xoxoxo
True enough, absolutely.
DeleteSo happy you came by :)