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Coelho's Universe
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Paying for the same thing three times, and
the
Reflections of the Warrior of Light
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by
Paulo Coelho
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Paying for the same thing Three Times
There  is a legend in the region of Punjab, about
a thief who broke into a farm and stole two hundred onions. But, before he could make his escape, he was caught
by the farmer and led before the judge.
The magistrate passed sentence: the payment of ten gold pieces. But, the man alleged that the fine was too high.
So, the judge offered him two alternatives: to be whipped twenty times, or eat the two hundred onions.
The thief chose to eat the two hundred onions. When he had
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eaten twenty-five, his eyes were already filled with tears, and his stomach was burning up like the fires of hell.
Since there were still 175 to go, and he knew he would never bear this punishment, he begged to be thrashed twenty
times.
The judge agreed. But when the whip tore into his back for the tenth time, he implored for the punishment to be
stopped, for he could not stand the pain. His wish was granted, but the thief still had to pay the ten pieces of
gold.
- If you had accepted the fine, you would have avoided eating the onions and wouldn't have suffered the whip -
said the judge. - But you preferred the more difficult path, not understanding that, when you have done wrong,
it is better to pay up quickly and forget the matter.
Reflections of the Warrior of Light
A warrior of light does not only use his strength;
he also uses his opponent's energy.
Upon entering a combat, all he possesses is his enthusiasm, and the moves he learned during training; as the fight
progresses, he discovers that his enthusiasm and training are not enough to win: experience is necessary.
So he opens his heart to the Universe, and asks God to inspire him, so that each of the enemy's blows is also a
lesson in defense for him.
His companions comment: "see how superstitious he is. He has stopped the fight in order to pray, and respects
his adversary's tricks."
The warrior of the light pays these provocations no attention. He knows that without inspiration and experience,
none of his training will bear fruit.
Paulo Coelho
Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil
Paulo Coelho a.k.a. the "Alchemist," a widely read and influential author is a winner of the 2001 'BAMBI Award, one
of Germany's most prestigious prizes.
Paying for the same thing three times, and Reflections of the Warrior of the Light
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