This, too,
will pass
Once,
there lived a king in some Middle Eastern land who was continuously torn between
happiness and despondency. The slightest thing would cause him great upset or
provoke an intense reaction, and his happiness would quickly turn into
disappointment and despair. A time came when the king finally got tired of
himself and of life, and he began to seek a way out. He sent for a wise man who
lived in his kingdom and who was reputed to be enlightened. When the wise man
came, the king said to him, "I want to be like you. Can you give me
something that will bring balance, serenity, and wisdom into my life? I will
pay any price you ask."
The wise man said, "I may be able to help you. But the price is so
great that your entire kingdom would not be sufficient payment for it.
Therefore it will be a gift to you if you will honour it."
The king gave his assurances, and the wise man left.
A few weeks later, the wise man returned and handed the king an ornate
box carved in jade. The king opened the box and found a simple gold ring
inside. Some letters were inscribed on the ring. The inscription read: This, too, will pass.
"What
is the meaning of this?" asked the king.
The wise man said, "Wear this ring always. Whatever happens, before
you call it good or bad, touch this ring and read the inscription. That way,
you will always be at peace.”
(an ancient Sufi teaching story)
- - - - - - - -
[ A variation of this story is
said to have occurred in July 46BC, at the commencement of the reign of Julius
Caesar. Caesar was at the height of his power and popularity, and was returning
to Rome after very successful engagements with his legions, extending Rome’s
frontiers. As he entered Rome to greet the cheering citizens, he had one of his
servants stand in his chariot beside him, and repeatedly say the phrases in his
ear “Remember, thou are but a man” and “This, too, will pass”. This would be a
reminder to Caesar that the adulation of the crowd would be a transient matter,
and that he should not let it go to his head.
20 months later, on the Ides of March, 44BC, Caesar was assassinated.]
Keith and Marnie
Elliott’s “REMEDY” Site
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