Salt And Cotton In The River

image from: www.vi.sualize.us

Nasruddin was taking a load of salt to the market. His donkey waded through the river and the salt dissolved. When it reached the opposite bank the animal ran around in circles, overjoyed that its load had been lightened. But Nasruddin was annoyed.

On the next market day he packed the panniers with cotton. The ass nearly drowned with the increased weight of the cotton soaked in the river water. “There I” said Nasruddin gleefully. “That will teach you to think that each time you go through water you stand to gain I”

Two persons walked into religion. One came alive, the other drowned.

(Anthony de Mello SJ, "The Song Of The Bird")

Garam Dan Kapas Di Dalam Sungai

Nasruddin memuati keledainya dengan dua karung garam untuk dibawa ke pasar. Garam itu larut ketika keledainya menyeberangi sungai. Sesampainya di tepi, binatang itu berlari-lari berputar dengan girang, karena bebannya menjadi ringan. Tetapi Nasruddin kesal hatinya.

Pada hai pasaran berikutnya dua keranjang di punggung keledainya dijejali padat dengan kapuk. Ketika menyeberangi sungai, keledai itu hampir tenggelam karena beban di punggungnya bertambah berat.

"Nah, rasakan!" Nasruddin mencibir dengan rasa puas. "Itu pelajaran bagimu. Jangan kau kira, setiap kali melewati air, kau beruntung!"

Dua orang bersama-sama memeluk agama. Yang satu merasa lebih ringan, yang lain tenggelam.

(Anthony de Mello SJ, "Burung Berkicau")