“Gessen was an artist monk. Before he would start a drawing or painting he always insisted upon being paid in advance, and his fees were high. He was known as the “Stingy Artist.” A geisha once gave him a commission…
“Once a man was walking along a beach. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Off in the distance he could see a person going back and forth between the surf’s edge and and the beach. Back…
“One day Cogia Efendi went to a bridal festival. The master of the feast observing his old and wretched garments, paid him no consideration whatsoever. Cogia saw that he had no chance of notice, so going out he hurried to…
“Three elderly brothers, all very short-sighted, lived in a large house on the outskirts of a city, in China. One day the youngest brother suggested that he should take charge of the finances. “Elder brother’s sight is so bad, he…
“A shipwrecked man struggled mightily against the waves and was finally cast ashore, more dead than alive. When finally he regained consciousness, he saw that the sea was as calm as a pond. “How deceitful you are!” he shouted to…
“Akbar came to the throne when he was only thirteen years old. In the years that followed, he built on of the greatest empires of his time. He lived in unimaginable splendor. He was surrounded by courtiers who agreed with…
“King Vikramaditya was known for his justice and kindness. Even Gods sought his help in setting issues. In his kingdom, no one was unhappy. His people loved him and were proud of him. Once, the Vikramaditya decided to build a…
“Once upon a starless midnight there was an owl who sat on the branch of an oak tree. Two ground moles tried to slip quietly by, unnoticed. “You!” said the owl. “Who?” they quavered, in fear and astonishment, for they…
“An oil-lamp, observing how well it was lighting up the area around it, was filled with pride. “Even the sun could not do better!” he boasted. Just then the wind started to blow and the lamp went out. “Next time…
“The Oak tree always thought that he was far stronger than the reeds. He said to himself “I stand upright in storm. I don’t bend my head in fear every time the wind blows. But these reeds are really so…