Attitudes and A Path With Heart - FAQ - A Path With Heart

What is a Teaching Tale?

A teaching tale is a story which contains a fundamental human truth in its words. A truth which is very difficult to transmit directly, so the story creates a picture in which imagination plays a big part. Here is one of my favorites -

A man had a monkey tied to his back with many ropes tied in many different knots. He didn't want the monkey there, neither did the monkey want to be there, and they both made life miserable for each other. The man tried undoing some knots, others he couldn't reach. And the monkey of course, being quick to imitate, even learned how to tie knots of its own making.

Healer after healer couldn't help the man. They all talked on about monkeys, ropes, knots and endless combinations of each. The man grew desperate. Finally he heard of a great healer who could fix anything. So he journeyed to meet this healer.

When they met, the healer asked how could he help? The man poured out his tale of trial and tribulation at the hands of the monkey, and how he couldn't live with this problem any longer. The healer said not a word. Finally the man finished his tale, and still the healer didn't speak, he just watched the monkey, who stared straight back.

Eventually, the monkey became distracted, and looked away. As quick as a wink, the healer seized the monkey with one hand, and produced a huge knife with the other. One quick slash cut all the ropes. The healer dropped the monkey who scampered away, glad to be free. Finally he spoke. He said "That'll be $50,000 please."

The astonished man paid up, glad to be free.
Inside though, he more than a bit choked up at the price...
So, was he free, really?

(This is a modern take of the old Gordian Knot legend.)

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