Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a conflict.
Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.
One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's tool box.
"I'm looking for a few days' work" he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?" "Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you." "Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbour; in fact, it's my younger brother.
Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better."
See that pile of lumber by the barn? My younger brother wants me to build a fence an 8-foot fence so he won't need to see my place or my face anymore."
The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."
The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.
The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing.
About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.
The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge - a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all and the neighbour, his younger brother, was coming towards them, his hand outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done." The farmer says," I am sorry for whatever conflicts happened. Please forgive me. "
The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build.
Dadashri says, "We should avoid conflicts at all costs. If conflicts arise we should take the blame on ourselves and admit that the fault is ours if the problem is to be solved quickly. By accepting the blame we become noble and graceful to all around us. The other person will feel our love and notice our openness. When enmity goes away love prevails."
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