A Chinese business man was thinking whom to hand over his business out of his 3 sons. He thought of a way to find their talent.
He told his sons he, who sells more combs to the buddhist monastery will be the one who will head his business.
Initially the sons were perplexed how to sell combs to the monks who do not grow hair.
After the specific time given to them, father called his sons to know about their achievements.
First one told I sold 2 combs.
How asked the father.
I told them the comb can be used to scratch their backs. 2 monks bought it.

Well. What about you , father asked the next one.
I sold 10 combs.
How asked the surprised father.
I told the monastery. that the people visit with dishevelled hair because of the strong winds on the way which is a disrespect to lord Buddha. If they keep a mirror & some combs at the entrance it will help people. They agreed & bought 10 combs.
The merchant praised his son .

Third son said I sold 1000 combs. The merchant was in awe.
I went to the head monk n told since they receive a lot of donations, it would be a nice gesture, if they give something like a blessing to the donors.
What can we give asked the head monk.
I showed him the combs with Buddha’s sayings inscribed on it & said since they use comb everyday it will be a reminder of teachings every time they use. . He agreed & ordered for 1000 combs with Buddha’s teachings inscribed.

No need to guess who took over the business from father.

All will think it is impossible to sell combs to the monks.

In life also we may face certain impossible situations . If we become disheartened then it means we have accepted defeat.

The 3 sons showed us 3 different ways of thinking.

First one thought what other way the comb can be used n sold 2.

Second one thought who other than the monks can use the comb n thought of the visitors . He was able to sell 10.

But it was a one time sale n no further sale in these lines will work out.

The third son also thought on same lines like the second, but with a difference. He modified the product as a gift wiith Buddha’s blessings to the donors. With the increase of donors , his sale will also increase.

So never accept defeat or think that coming out of difficult situations is impossible, start thinking differently. Expand ur vision from different angles.
Think to bring some small changes which will bring great results.

No one to buy tomatoes, dumped in garbage.
No price for cabbage. Used as manure in fields
Bananas , radish thrown on the streets .
We read many such news.

The knowledge we have in farming, we don’t have in business. Pickles, chips, jam dried vegetables, so many other ways to make them profitable. Instead of throwing or wasting, think what else use it can be put into. Learn to approach the correct persons. , through co operative farming or combined business.

Learn to change impossible situations to positive opportunities.

With patience , faith, hardwork n vigour if u start working , the impossible situation will become the foundation for a future big success.

Never bow down to initial negativities or accept defeat.

Expand your vision & focus.

Live with hope & positivity.

(Translated from a Tamil forward by my mother Anjana.)