tales told by the mystics

This brief commentary on a Zen story is a selection from the author’s forthcoming book titled ‘An Oak Tree in the Garden – Exploring the World of Zen’.

Jul 21 2022July 18, 2022

Peace, Persistence and Renunciation: Two Parables of Sri Ramakrishna

Peace, Tales and Stories, Twelve Soul-qualities / By Renaissance Editor

These two selections from Tales and Parables of Sri Ramakrishna bring out two distinct but complementary aspects of peace.

Feb 21 2022May 4, 2023

Building and Destroying: The Mother’s Story about Thiruvalluvar

Progress, Tales and Stories, Twelve Soul-qualities / By The Mother

While being the right fit for the ‘Progress’ theme, this story also adds to our understanding of the Mahakali aspect of the Divine Mother as highlighted in this issue.

Nov 21 2021May 4, 2023

Of Ceramics, Sannyāsa and More: Tales of Perseverance

Perseverance, Tales and Stories, Twelve Soul-qualities / By The Mother

Through three small but significant tales from the cultural history of France and India, the Mother highlights the importance of patience and perseverance.

Oct 21 2021May 4, 2023

The Virtues – A Gratitude Story Told by the Mother

Gratitude, Tales and Stories, Twelve Soul-qualities / By The Mother

Through this delightful little story written by the Mother in French sometime between 1893 and 1912, we recognise how gratitude is generally the most neglected virtue.

Sep 21 2021May 4, 2023

Japanese Flower-artist: A timeless story retold in multiple languages

Flowers, Humility, Tales and Stories, Twelve Soul-qualities / By The Mother

During her stay in Japan from 1916 to 1920 the Mother translated and adapted some stories written by F. J. Gould. Her versions, written in French and first published as Belles Histoires, later appeared in English translation as Tales of All Times. The Mother explained that these stories were written for children “to discover themselves and follow a path of right and beauty.” The timeless nature of these stories make them equally appealing to grown-ups, or shall we say, to all who aspire to be truly a child of the Mother. In this issue, we are retelling a story titled ‘Modesty’ in multiple languages.

Aug 15 2021May 4, 2023

Of Animals, Kings, Pundits and Rishis: Sincerity Stories as Told by the Mother

Divine Humour, Sincerity, Tales and Stories, Twelve Soul-qualities / By The Mother

In these delightful timeless tales retold by the Mother we get some important lessons on the value of straightforwardness, speaking the truth without any fear, and the importance of growing in sincerity for destroying falsehood and hypocrisy.