5 inspiring stories with profound life lessons

None of these stories or parables are new. They have been told and retold countless times, yet they never lose their moral appeal. Inspired and adapted from Zen, Sufi and other tales of the wise, they’re simple and uplifting, carrying timeless insights passed down through the ages.

Perhaps that’s why they still resonate with readers: the world keeps changing, but wisdom never loses its power to inspire humans to live ethical, meaningful and compassionate lives.

Why are you still carrying her?

Two monks came upon a woman who could not cross a river. The older monk lifted her onto his back and carried her across. After leaving her there, they proceeded on their way.

The younger monk wasn’t too happy. Hours later, still frowning, he burst out, “Brother, we took a vow not to touch women. Why did you carry her?”

The elder monk smiled gently: “I set her down hours ago. Why are you still carrying her?”

This story teaches us the importance of letting go. Sometimes, the heaviest burdens aren’t physical—they’re the ones we carry mentally and refuse to let go. 

Stop! The cup is full!

A professor visited a Zen master to gain knowledge.

The master poured tea into the professor’s cup until it overflowed. Alarmed, the professor cried, “Stop! The cup is full!”

The master set the teapot down. “You are like this cup,” he said. “How can I pour in wisdom if your mind is already full?”

Just as a full cup cannot hold more tea, a mind full of prejudices and assumptions cannot receive wisdom. This story reminds us to approach life with humility and remain open to new perspectives, even when they challenge our own.

Do my words mean nothing to you?

A man once hurled insults at the Buddha, who only listened calmly. Finally, the man asked, “Do my words mean nothing to you?”

The Buddha replied, “If someone offers you a gift and you do not accept it, who does it belong to? To me, they mean nothing.”

The man was silent. “To me,” he said, with his head bowed.

Not every gift is worth receiving, especially anger. Neither are insults or negative comments. If we refuse to accept anger, remains with the person who offered it. The story shows us the power of not reacting: we can choose peace over provocation.

How unlucky! Maybe not

A farmer’s horse ran away. His neighbours said, “How unlucky!”

The farmer replied, “Maybe.

A few days later, the horse returned—bringing two wild horses with it. The neighbours cheered, “How lucky!”

Again, the farmer said, “Maybe.

His son tried to ride one of the horses and broke his leg. This time, the neighbours sighed, “How unlucky!”

The farmer said, “Maybe.

Soon after, the army came to the village to recruit young men, but they spared the farmer’s injured son. “How lucky!” the neighbours cried.

"Maybe," the farmer said quietly.

What might seem like misfortune today may actually be a blessing tomorrow. This parable encourages us to practice patience and composure and, whether good or bad, to flow with the tide. Life often works out best when we flow with it instead of fighting against it.

Master, am I your light?

A young monk carried a candle to light the way for his teacher at night. Proudly, he asked, “Master, am I your light?”

The teacher blew out the flame. “Now,” he asked, “where is your light?”

The monk stood in darkness, realising true light must come from within.

Outside light can only guide us, show us the way—but true illumination comes from inside us. They’re cultivated through inner awareness and self-understanding.

• Which story did you enjoy the most? Share your favourite life lesson with us!

© Pocketful of Happiness