Benevolence

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

 

I am always moved by anyone's generosity of spirit and sometimes

think that it is the quality of a saint to bless even those that

wish him/her ill.

 

However of late I am realising how it is not simply a quality of a

saint, but a practical smart move - when we bless others it returns

to us manifold. It also helps to sweeten our natures.

 

I wanted to share this story by Anthony De Mello.

 

Jai Maa

Latha

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A grocer came to the Master in great distress to say

that across the way from his shop they had opened

a large chain store that would drive him out of business.

His family had owned his shop for a century ~

and to lose it now would be his undoing,

for there was nothing else he was skilled at.

 

Said the Master,

"If you fear the owner of the chain store,

you will hate him.

And hatred will be your undoing."

"What shall I do?" said the distraught grocer.

 

"Each morning walk out of your shop onto the sidewalk

and bless your shop, wishing it prosperity.

Then turn to face the chain store and bless it too."

"What? Bless my competitor and destroyer?"

 

"Any blessing you give him will rebound to your good.

Any evil you wish him will destroy you."

 

After six months the grocer returned to report

that he had had to close down his shop as he had feared,

but he was now in charge of the chain store

and his affairs were in better shape than ever before.

 

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