A Good News, Bad News Story

Teaching and learning by parable from a collection titled: Kindness, a treasury of Buddhist wisdom for children and parents, by Sarah Conover.


When the Horse Runs Off

Long ago, in a country where the mountains are among the world's loftiest, there lived an old farmer and his son. The boy spent his days attending to the work of the farm and their one horse-a beautiful white stallion. After years of careful training, the horse ran swifter and smoother than any other in the region. But one day, father and son awoke to find their cherished animal missing.

The son was heartbroken. Neighbors gathered round the two and lamented their great loss. But the father gazed calmly past the villagers to the surrounding high peaks. "We shall see," he said. "We shall see if this is good or if this is bad."

After a week, the magnificent horse returned, followed by an equally fine, wild mare. Father and son soon tamed the new animal. This time, the neighbors praised the old man's remarkable luck- he was now the wealthiest man in town! He owned the two very best horses! But the farmer simply smiled and remarked, "Oh, of course I am pleased...but who knows if this is lucky or unlucky?"

And so it came to pass that one day, while racing their splendid horses across the field, the son fell off and broke both legs badly. While the boy's wounds were cleaned and splinted by the doctor, the villagers bemoaned the family's terrible misfortune. But the father, calm as ever, took comfort in his boy. "He is alive; that is all that counts," replied the old man." His legs will heal in time. I cannot know if these injuries will turn out to be something good or something bad."

The very next week, a battalion of soldiers marched into the village. A war to the north was underway, and all young men of fighting age were needed immediately. Mothers and fathers gathered food and warm clothing for their boys. With sorrowful good-byes they reluctantly let their sons join the soldiers.

But alas, there was one boy in the village left behind in his bed-for it was obvious his wounds would take many months to heal. The neighbors envied the farmer's good fortune! Of all the young men in town, his son was the only one not taken to war! The old farmer looked out across his fields at the two fine horses grazing. He looked at the lovely way the sun caught the tops of the jagged peaks in the distance, smiled, and said nothing at all.

The valuable lessons in this story

I am sure we can all relate to this simple and yet profound story depicting a life of highs and lows. While none of us are spared from life's ups and downs the key and primary difference lies in how each of us relates to what happens or does not happen in our lives.

In this story, the farmer reserves judgment and remains calm no matter what the circumstances may be. He is not affected by the opinions of others who are quick to judge
events/circumstances/situations as good or bad, lucky or unlucky, fortunate or unfortunate. His response is always the same, "We shall see if this is good or if this is bad." As it turns out, everything that happens in this wise tale is a good news, bad news story.

The farmer is able to experience joy and pleasure and yet not cling to any one emotion. In the face of adversity, he remains calm and by doing so, is able to focus his attention on what's important. When his son is injured, the farmer is deeply moved that his son is alive and is clear in stating that this is what matters most. His emotional energy is not wasted on the injuries per se because this isn't something that can be changed. His conclusion is the same, he does not know if it is something good or something bad. The old man understands that in life, things are always happening and time will reveal its true meaning. If we keep an open mind and let ourselves consider different possibilities, we just might see the end result as a Blessing in disguise.

We all know that outward appearances may sometimes be deceiving and what may look to be a negative may turn out to be a great thing for us. While it is helpful to allow ourselves to have our feelings, it can be hurtful to get lost in the drama of life most of which is outside of our control.

Cultivating a practice of living that is based on the what-is, accepting that we all have a mix of wanted and unwanted experiences, and that everything in life is essentially a good news/bad news story is a formula for wellness.

Let us not forget the ending of the story in which the farmer is taking in the beauty that surrounds him, smiling, and saying nothing because the truth simply is. This is what we refer to as gratitude. Having a thankful heart is what keeps us going. It serves as fuel for our mind, body and spirit; helps us find meaning in life and is the path to peace and joy.

The next time you find yourself facing a challenging situation, try to remain calm, and before you rush to judgment consider the farmer whose horse ran away. Take a moment to consider the good news, bad news of life experiences and know that you can be okay.

Enjoy!