Yachts or Logs - The Parable

The Parable "YACHTS OR LOGS"
Author: Ruslan N. Kalimullin

In a small fishing village by the sea, there lived an old wise Teacher. Every day, fishermen gathered on the shore, preparing to set out into the open sea. They used their light and speedy yachts, while some preferred old, cracked logs that couldn't catch the wind.

One day, as the sun rose above the horizon and filled the sky with bright colors, a young man named Peter approached the Teacher and asked:
— Tell me, wise one, why do some fishermen avoid jumping into yachts and prefer old logs? They know it's easier to catch fish from yachts!

The Teacher replied:
— Peter, it all depends on how they see their path. Yachts are symbols of those who are ready to take charge of their destiny, those who set goals and strive for them. Logs, on the other hand, float downstream, wherever fate takes them. They passively surrender to circumstances, making no decisions.

Peter pondered:
— But why then are some fishermen convinced that it's better to drift on a log?

The Teacher smiled and said:
— Some are afraid of storms, doubting their own strength. They believe that the log is safe, though in reality, it leaves them vulnerable to any unexpected twists of fate. Yachts, however, require their captains to have courage, patience, and skill to overcome difficulties.

At that moment, a group of fishermen sailing on yachts passed by, their sails catching the wind as they confidently headed toward the horizon. Suddenly, Peter noticed that one of them encountered a fierce storm. It seemed like the end of their journey, but the yacht skillfully tilted, and by harnessing the wind's power, the fisherman continued to move forward, leaving the storm behind.

Peter felt a burning desire within him:
— Wise one, I also want to become the captain of my yacht!

The Teacher nodded and said:
— Then learn to manage your inner world. Remember, any storm is not the end, but merely a trial. Courage and perseverance can turn a log into a real yacht.

From that day on, Peter began training with experienced fishermen, overcoming his fears and learning how to catch the wind. He realized that only courage and determination could lead to success.

With each passing day, Peter grew more confident in his choice. And one day, he could no longer contain his joy — he had his own yacht, and he set sail for distant seas, becoming the rightful captain of his life.

And ever since then, when someone asked him about the key to success, he would always reply:
— Going with the flow is easy, but being the captain of your yacht is a true challenge!

Thus, the story of Peter and the wise Teacher spread throughout the village, inspiring others to choose their own paths and become masters of their lives, rather than logs drifting downstream.

(1998)