THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE | a motivational story

Summary

In a small village, a troubled young man named Osho seeks guidance from Master Kaido, a wise monk, feeling his life has no meaning. Kaido teaches him the lesson of intrinsic value by having Osho show a seemingly worthless pebble to various merchants, only for a sage to recognize its true worth. Master Kaido explains that, like the pebble, Osho’s value is not defined by others' opinions but by his own inherent worth. The story teaches that self-worth comes from within and cannot be determined by external validation, leading Osho to find peace and purpose in his life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Osho, a young man feeling lost and worthless, seeks guidance from Master Kaido, a wise old monk.
• 😀 Master Kaido shows Osho that his worth is not determined by external factors but by his intrinsic value.
• 😀 Kaido uses the metaphor of a seemingly ordinary pebble to illustrate how perception shapes value.
• 😀 Osho is sent to the village market to ask merchants about the pebble's worth, but they all dismiss it as worthless.
• 😀 Despite the merchants' judgments, Osho learns that the pebble’s true worth did not change; only their perception did.
• 😀 Master Kaido guides Osho up a mountain to a sage, who recognizes the pebble as a rare and valuable gem.
• 😀 The sage’s recognition of the pebble's value teaches Osho that true worth is seen by those who understand it.
• 😀 Osho’s experience teaches him that the opinions of others do not define his self-worth.
• 😀 Osho comes to understand that his value, like the pebble, is intrinsic and not based on external validation.
• 😀 The story emphasizes that finding peace and purpose comes from recognizing one's own intrinsic worth, not seeking approval from others.
• 😀 The moral of the story is that true value comes from within, and understanding your worth brings serenity and purpose in life.

Q & A

Why does Osho feel lost and without purpose at the beginning of the story?

Osho feels lost and without purpose because he has lost his job, his friends have deserted him, and he feels like a burden to those around him. This sense of emptiness leads him to seek guidance from Master Kaido.

What task does Master Kaido give to Osho to help him find his worth?

Master Kaido asks Osho to take a small pebble from the stream and show it to the merchants in the village market, telling them that it is not for sale. He must ask them what it is worth without selling it.

Why do the merchants dismiss the pebble as worthless?

The merchants dismiss the pebble as worthless because they lack the knowledge or wisdom to see its true value. To them, it is just an ordinary stone, and they cannot recognize its uniqueness.

What is the significance of the journey Osho takes after being disappointed by the merchants?

The journey symbolizes Osho’s path to self-discovery and realization. By seeking out the sage on the mountain, Osho learns that worth is determined by perception and understanding, not by the opinions of those who cannot see the deeper value.

What does the sage say when he examines the pebble?

The sage declares that the pebble is a rare gem, far more valuable than gold or silver. He recognizes its true worth, which had been overlooked by the merchants in the village.

What lesson does Master Kaido teach Osho through the pebble?

Master Kaido teaches Osho that the worth of the pebble, like his own life, does not depend on the opinions of others. True value comes from within and is often unrecognized by those who lack the wisdom to see it.

How does Osho's perspective on his life change after hearing Master Kaido’s lesson?

Osho realizes that his worth is not determined by his job, possessions, or the approval of others, but by his inherent existence. He learns to value himself for who he is, rather than seeking validation from the world.

What is the symbolic meaning of the pebble being returned to the stream?

The pebble being returned to the stream symbolizes the idea that true worth is intrinsic and timeless, unaffected by external circumstances or the judgments of others. The stream represents the flow of life, where value is constant regardless of how it is perceived.

What is the moral of the story?

The moral of the story is that the worth of your life is intrinsic and does not depend on external validation or the opinions of others. True value comes from within and is often unseen or unappreciated by those who lack understanding.

How does the story encourage us to view others and ourselves?

The story encourages us to look beyond surface judgments and external appearances, urging us to find the deeper, inherent value in ourselves and others. It teaches us that worth is not always immediately visible but is a matter of understanding and perception.