Between the great things we cannot do and the small things we will not do, the danger is that we shall do nothing. ~Adolph Monod
In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.
Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many others never understand that every obstacle presents an opportunity of growth and progress, if only we are tolerant and perseverant.
In life, we are presented with similar obstacles. Whether we blame someone for it and complain about it or like the peasant we take responsibility for it is a matter of choice. If we are wise and take up responsibility for the obstacles presented to us, we are sure to find gold when the obstacle is gone!
Radhanath swami points out that we need to be tolerant and determined to achieve success in any sphere of our life and never be discouraged by the inevitable obstacles that come on our path. All impediments are like rocks in the river of life. We should flow around them and never give up. With the Lord’s help, there is always a way.
23 replies on “The Boulder of Life”
Wonderful analogy and realization!
Fantastic analogy. God never does mistake. Everything is for our purification. Accept everything as the mercy of god for our own purification and for the pleasure of god.
Fantastic Article! The point is very clearly illustrated through the beautiful example of the king and the boulder.
Very Short but but very powerful article HH Radhanath Swami always helps us to give a correct perspective in life by which we can overcome the onslaught of this horrible age of Kali.
Very nice article. Every obstacle presents an oppertunity, so we need to welcome obstacles and try our best to overcome those with complete faith on God.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring article on the importance of tolerating obstacles.
Very Inspiring!Pray and Hope that I am able to live by this lesson
All impediments are like rocks in the river of life. We should flow around them and never give up. With the Lord’s help, there is always a way. What a wonderful statement and great advice. Thank you.
every obstacle presents an opportunity of growth and progress, if only we are tolerant and perseverant.
It is like hitting the nail on the right place…. we all go through obstacles in our daily lives but it is very crucial to remove them rather than crib about them…. Thank you for this wonderful sharing!
Ya, instead of blaming the problems if we patiently tolerate it then surely we can get a best out of it. At each and every step of our life God want us to teach a lesson that will bring us closer to Him.
Very inspiring story and lesson to learn from HH Radhanath Swami, who emphasises to be tolerant and patient to the obstacles on the path which any way going to come to unearth the sublime gold like life ahead.
All impediments are like rocks in the river of life. We should flow around them and never give up. With the Lord’s help, there is always a way-very instructive.
Obstacles come and go but we should be determined and depend on the Lord to achieve the success
Thanks for your encouraging story…….Indeed, patience and perseverance are very important in both-material & spiritual endeavours…..
Nice lesson on tolerance.
This article nicely illustrates how we can see an opportunity in every situation.
Obstacles make us stronger. Thank you for the nice message which is quite practical in our life.
Inspiring words of wisdom by Radhanath Swami. It is an eye-opener for everyone to proactively work around obstacles with determination & faith instead of simply blaming someone or the other for the same.
Very nice article explaining the importance of facing difficulties rather than avoiding them.
Thnxs for sharing.
A very nice lesson explained by Radhanath Swami Maharaj with beautiful example of journey of a river.
Being determined we should face every obstacles of life, seeing hand of Krishna behind every activity.
Every obstacle presents an opportunity of growth and progress, if only we are tolerant and perseverant – very instructive!