Zen master Ryokan was walking on the beach. A storm had just blown over. Hundreds of starfish had been washed up by the waves; they were beginning to die in the sharp sunlight. Ryokan picked up the starfish one by one and threw them back into the sea.
A fisherman who had been observing Ryokan came up to him. “Why do you do this? Every time there’s a storm, this happens. You can’t save them all, so what difference does your attempt make?”
“It will make a difference – to this one,” replied Ryokan, as he flung yet another starfish into the water.
Did you make a difference to someone today ?
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02/11/2010
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Whist speaking to someone many years ago, it was impressed on me by him that you don't need too 'save the world' or 'help everyone', rather, help someone, or do something, ever so small, every day, and it will help more than you will ever know.
Thank you for posting this story.
Posted by: Peter Hallam | 07/20/2010 at 07:05 AM
Sometimes we can make a difference in someone's life without even trying or knowing. Like sending a smile to a complete stranger, changing their whole day.
Posted by: Christine Bermingham | 02/28/2010 at 09:51 PM