Motivational Stories and Parables
by Stephen Chong

The Virtue of Virtues

"A bedraggled young urchin was found one morning knocking on the door of the monastery. The day was extremely cold, for the chill of the west wind carved a niche into everything it touched. The young urchin could not have been more than ten years old. His clothes were threadbare and torn and it looked as if he had not had a square meal for nigh on many weeks. His matted hair, filthy visage and sunken cheeks made it even appear that he was not of sound mind..."

Mistress and the Novice

"As the mistress pondered this conundrum, she inhaled a large breath of cool, fresh air and then slowly exhaled. As she did she said, ‘My young novice, our purpose in life is as individual as the fingerprints on our hands, but what it is for you I cannot tell you. However, I can tell you that the knowing of your purpose in this life is not found in your mind, but rather..."

The Master and The Bull

"As he strolled, a bird came along and perched itself upon the master’s shoulder. As he smiled at his unexpected passenger, the bird whispered a thank you in the master’s ear. To which the master replied, ‘When I heard the bull’s cry I understood that I had a choice. I could have stayed sitting in meditation enjoying myself or I could go and..."

The Rich Man's Mansion

"Profoundly, thought the rich man, with so many blessings he could rebuild what he had lost. He knew it would be hard work but that was well within his capabilities. This time he also understood that he should engage with the townsfolk and allow them to become a part of the rebuilding process. Perhaps, he thought, they might also be involved somehow in..."