Article by
KAYSOON KHOO
There's an oft-repeated tale of a student of the occult sciences who wanted to learn how to walk on water. To acquire this ability he went into intense meditation for thirty whole years, taking only such respites as were necessary to perform his bodily functions.
There's an oft-repeated tale of a student of the occult sciences who wanted to learn how to walk on water. To acquire this ability he went into intense meditation for thirty whole years, taking only such respites as were necessary to perform his bodily functions.
The day came when his efforts were crowned with success. Going to the river, he proceeded to cross over to the other bank in this novel fashion.
He was halfway across when he encountered a boat which ferried people across the river. In a voice haughty with pride, he said to the boatman, "I spent thirty years of my life mastering this skill so I may cross the river on foot!"
The boatman was flabbergasted. "Why are you so foolish?" he cried. "I would have taken you across in my boat for only three copper coins!"
Of course there's a moral to this story. It's that before you venture into any major undertaking it would be well to ask yourself whether what you're about to take up is worth the salt.
You can convince yourself it is even when it's not. After all, no one can deceive a man better than he himself can. If you persist in your stubbornness, the day may come when you awake to the sad realisation that you have thrown away thirty years of your life only to save yourself three copper coins.
The three copper coins may well be three priceless diamonds for all the difference they make. Those thirty years of your life are forever gone.
