What Must Be Done

“You must remember that in this world even if one acts with sincerity and truthfulness, because of differences in our thought processes, we perceive others’ behaviour according to our respective attitudes and understanding. That is why a person who makes an effort at doing something is not always appreciated. Without considering the fairness of a case, we often behave wrongfully towards young children. Some realize this later, some do not, while others do not acknowledge it even if they realize it. But when you are undertaking a task, you must do so unhesitatingly and truthfully by concentrating upon what must be done. Do not ever worry about how your superior is going to view it, for you have no right to judge your superior. Your duty is to carry out instructions cheerfully. Do not harbour feelings of dissatisfaction while doing it, or the work will not be done to perfection and your mind will be disturbed and joyless.” (Anandamayi Ma, The Bliss Permeated Mother)

 

You know what they say

When you are peeling potatoes

Really do be there

Peeling potatoes 

With an undisturbed mind

Joy arises

With a willing attitude

Comes satisfaction

So simple, so tricky

So…

Where are you now? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe

There is a Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically. 

“Maybe,” the farmer replied. The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.

“Maybe,” replied the old man. The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. “Maybe,” answered the farmer. The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “Maybe,” said the farmer.

Zen Buddhist Stories (SOURCE)

It’s always a gray area.
What may be right for some, may be wrong for some.
Each moment has its own answer.