“How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbour says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself, to make it just and holy.”
―
A Samurai who was known for his nobility and honesty, went to visit a Zen Monk to ask for his advice.
When the Monk had finished his prayers, the Samurai asked,
‘Why do I feel so inferior? I have faced death many times, I have defended those who are weak. Nevertheless, upon seeing you meditating today, I feel that my life has absolutely no importance whatsoever.’
The master invited him in and lead him to his room. The full moon shone in the sky, and the atmosphere was one of profound tranquility.
‘Do you see the moon, how beautiful it is? said the Monk. ‘It will cross the entire firmament, and tomorrow the sun will shine once again.’
‘But sunlight is much brighter,’ said the Samurai. ‘And can show the details of the landscape around us, the trees, the mountains, and clouds.’
‘I have contemplated the two for many years, said the Monk and I have never heard the moon say, ‘Why do I not shine like the sun? Is it because I am inferior?’
‘Yes of course not,’ answered the Samurai.
‘The moon and the sun are different and, each has its own unique beauty. You cannot compare the two.’
‘So you know the answer,’ said the Monk.
‘We are two different people, each living in a way which he believes, is making it possible for the world to be a better place.’
Paul Coelho – Short Stories
I see each of us like a jigsaw piece in a puzzle.
Each of us has a unique piece and place in the puzzle.
Without your unique piece, I cannot complete my part, or see a greater picture.
Without your unique piece, I cannot move forward.
Each of us helps create and reveal the vision of life to evolve.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Shine on dear lady, shine on! 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
I will 🌟🌙🌟
Love this post. Comparison is the thief of joy. I struggle with this but am getting better at reminding myself of this. Thank you for your reminder!
I think we all struggle with this at times Michele and it’s a gift when we can embrace our individuality 💚🌈
❤
🥰💕💚
I love every word to this, Karen. thank you
Happy to hear that Beth! Thank you 💚💕
So true! Thanks, Karen. 🙂
Thanks Jennifer 🥰
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Thanks Emilie 💚
Paulo Coelho has the gift of bringing the truth to the surface from its murky depths. Thanks for sharing, Karen ❤
He does it beautifully. Thank you Rosaliene 🌟💕
So much in this world encourages us to compare ourselves to others and it’s rarely an affirming exercise. Thanks for the eloquent reminder that ‘You do you’ is a wise way to go…☺️🥰
So true Lori. I think the comparison starts at a very young age and it’s a hard habit to break. As I age, I’m embracing my individuality much more easily and encourage us all to do the same! You are special 👏🥰
You are a wonderful example to follow, Karen. Doing my best to embrace myself, flaws and all…😘
Our flaws give us an edge girlfriend ha! ☺️
beautiful.
Thanks Vicki 💕🌟
Each of us helps create and reveal the vision of life to evolve. – Yes, indeed.
Each person has a unique light to shine and every light is needed. Take care.
So true. Thanks Ali 🙏🏻💚
Beautiful example of the sun and the moon applicable to most of us. Thanks Karen God Bless 🙏
Thank you 🙏🏻🌈