Thursday, September 8, 2011

Flying creature in crystal river: Story of a messiah

This piece is from “Illusions” – by Richard Bach


Once there lived a village of creatures along the bottom of a great crystal river.

The current of the river swept silently over them all – young and old, rich and poor, good and evil, the current going its own way knowing only its own crystal self.

Each creature in its own manner clung tightly to the twigs and rocks of the river bottom, for clinging was their way of life, and resisting the current what each had learned from birth.

But one creature said at last. “I am tired of clinging. Though I cannot see it with my eyes, I trust that the current knows where it is going. I shall let go, and let it take me where it will. Clinging, I shall die of boredom.

The other creatures laughed and said: “Fool! Let go, and that current you worship will throw you tumbled and smashed across the rocks, and you will die quicker than boredom!”

But the one heeded them not, and taking a breath let go, and at once was tumbled and smashed by the current across the rocks.

Yet in time, as the creature refused to cling again, the current lifted him free from the bottom and he was bruised no more.

And the creatures downstream, to whom he was a stranger, cried, “See a miracle! A creature like ourselves, yet he flies! See the Messiah, come to save us all!”

And the one carried in the current said. “I am no more Messiah than you. The river delights to lift us free, if only we dare let go. Our true work is this voyage, this adventure.”

But they cried the more, “Saviour!” all the while clinging to the rocks, and when they looked again, he was gone, and they were left alone making legends of a Saviour.”


Moral: “What you hold on to most dear will always hold you back!!”

7 comments:

Brian Miller said...

nice tale...i like your moral...i guess i would say it is important to think on what you let go of...some things are worth being held back for...

Sylvia K said...

I always love your words of wisdom and this one is no exception. Sometimes the things we hold on to most desperately are the very things that hold us back from moving on to a better place. Thank you, as always! Have a lovely weekend!

Sylvia

nsiyer said...

I do agree, Brian, that somethings are worth beingheld back for. As long as it does not come in the way of our progress.

Thanks Sylvia

Jyoti Mishra said...

thank u sir for commenting on my post.
I am glad u liked it.

Nice read !!!

Neha Phanse said...

The outcome of a person's spiritual inclination...perhaps lies in the manner he treats such situations.....Ultimately it's a personal choice each one has to make comprehending the possible consequences!
You will get what you deserve, not what you desire...said Swami Chinmayananda!

Smriti-The Rememberance said...

yup that is true , sometimes you just let the change happen instead of clinging to the things you already have because that is what is life :-) and one thing that is constant in life is change , really liked this post

P.N. Subramanian said...

Very good piece. "Life is like that"