Two short stories with moral lessons for reflection.

1. Story To
Reflect
Upon 45
The Ass and The Mule
A farmer set forth on a journey, driving before him an ass and a
mule, both well laden.
The ass, as long as he traveled along the plain, carried his load
with ease, but when he began to ascend the steep path of the
mountain, he felt his load to be more than he could bear. He
entreated his companion to relieve him of a small portion, that he
might carry home the rest.
But the mule paid no attention to the request. He did not want to
help in any way.
The ass shortly afterwards fell down dead under his burden. Not
knowing what else to do in so wild a region, the farmer placed
upon the mule the load carried by the ass in addition to his own,
and at the top of all placed the hide of the ass, after he had
skinned him.
The mule, groaning beneath his heavy burden, said to himself,
"I am treated according to my deserts. If I had only been willing
to assist the ass a little in his need, I should not now be bearing,
together with his burden, his hide and my own load as well."
Reflection
* Kindness and compassion are very lacking today where
more and more become more and more self-centred, taking
care of our interests only.
* All living things are interconnected in the whole web of life.
When adverse happenings occur in our environment or to
other beings, oftentimes we too will be indirectly and
adversely affected.
* May our hearts open to help others in need.

2. Story To
Reflect Upon 46
Giving When It
Counts
Many years ago, there was a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare and serious disease.
Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion
from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the
same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat
the illness.
The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and
asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his
sister.
He hesitated for only a moment before taking a deep breath and
saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her."
As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister
and smiled, as the people around all did, seeing the color
returning to the little girl’s cheeks.
Then the little boy’s face grew pale and his smile faded. He
looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I
start to die right away?"
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he
thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in
order to save her.
Reflection
* “Bodhisattas” , out of kindness and compassion are even
willing to sacrifice their lives for others.
* In the spiritual practice, selfless service, charity, kindness,
compassion, courage and understanding are essential qualities to
develop.
* Too often, materialistic man is overwhelmed by the ‘devils’ of
greed, anger/hatred and ego/delusion.