Upon nearing the end of his long life, a venerable Master came to five of his most devout adherents and humbly asked for an audience … After they had gathered around him, he smiled and siftly spoke — “My time is drawing to a close, my Friends, and thus our time together has begun to end as well. And yet before we part ways forever in this lifetime, I would ask that you each offer a response to the following all-important question: What is the Good Way in which humankind should live?”

For awhile there was nothing but silence — and then the first follower slowly stood and said “To hone a wise mind”. Then the second rose and said “To be a good friend”, and the third offered up “To become a solid citizen”, and the fourth proclaimed “To have a forgiving Heart” … The Master was obviously pleased — and then he turned to his final pupil — the one who had been with him the longest. “And you, my dear Companion, what would you say is this Good Way for which humankind has searched for lo these thousands of years?”

And the fifth follower remained silent — and he smiled at each of them in turn — and then he spoke … “To serve those most in need.”

“Ahhhh”, said the Master. “This response is truly the most fine, if for no other reason than — in those moments when it is enacted purely — it encompasses the other four.”

Filed under: Practical Tips for Peace-full Living by Scaughdt