jake <jockmcart...@btinternet.com>

Once upon a time there were three sisters. As soon as they were grown
up each one decided to search for truth and purpose in her own way.
The first sister said "I'm going to take care of the sick and the
poor. The streets in the cities are full of them. I will bring them
healing and I will care for them".

The second sister said, "Everywhere I look I see people in conflict,
people fighting with each other, people at war, I will go to them and
reconcile them. I will talk to them and bring them peace".

The third sister said, " I will stay at home".

A few years passed and the first two sisters returned home. The first
sister sighed and said, "It's hopeless ! There are simply too many
sick, poor and homeless people. I cannot cope !".

The second sister moaned and said, "It's impossible to make peace
between people. I am completely worn out". They both slumped down in
their chairs and sat exhausted, looking at each other in despair.

At first, the third sister said nothing. Then she quietly filled a
bowl with muddy water, "Look into that." she said. "Just look".

The two sisters looked but they saw nothing, only muddy water. "Let it
stand," their sister said, "Let it be".

After a while they looked again. The water was clear now, and they saw
their own reflections in it as clearly as in a mirror. The third
sister told them, "When the water is stirred up it is muddy and you
can see nothing. But when the water is very still it becomes clear. It
is the same with human beings. You can see clearly only when you are
still, very still. Only when you are still and can see yourself can
you also see what you should do, and where you should go.

Only in stillness can you have hope and faith in the future, and in
your own talents, abilities and creativity Only then can you throw
yourself wholeheartedly and with love into caring for others. Only
they can you be unconcerned about rewards or the fruits or your
actions. Only then can you truly act from your heart".