Maybe, Said the Farmer
by Author Unknown
[Listen to Audio!]
 Once upon a time 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.
–Zen Parable
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Maybe, Said the Farmer
How do you practice equanimity? Can you share a personal experience of a time when you were able to keep your balance inspite of temptations to lose it? How do we protect ourselves from indifference and sentimentality at the same time? |
| susan schaller wrote: I love and think of this story often. Being hit by a truck while riding my bicycle to high school led to a “bad” concussion and my being excused from classes and teenage restlessness. This led … |
| Abhishek wrote: We were singing today in the car, and to share what I was feeling, I sang a hindi song – “Ohre Taal mile Nadi ke jal mein” (The lake merges with the river….the river merges with th… |
| Kristin Pedemonti wrote: A powerful & excellent reminder to not judge situations or circumstances. A difficult childhood (my dad a Vietnam Vet was severely clinically depressed & tried to kill himself 5 ti… |
| Kristin Pedemonti wrote: Susan, kudos to you. I really resonate with your comment. My own life journey has some similarities. Often what seemed to be Bad had incredible blessings down the road. Hugs to you! Kristin … |
| rahul wrote: I’ve heard humility defined as, “Suspending judgment to allow what is, to arise.” How natural it is for the farmer to be humble, how difficult for us, with our multiplicity of wants, needs, des… |
| david doane wrote: When I practice equanimity, I live the awareness that you never know. Something I think is good can turn out not good, and something I think is unfortunate can turn out to be good fortune… |
| A wrote: A BIG hug to Kristin! Amen to your mission, compassion and drive! Yay you! Thank you for your work! … |
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