The Proud Noble and the Shoes

A proud, high-born man came to the Guru, wanting blessings but looking down on the humble work of ordinary people. The Guru gently asked him to serve for a while at the shrine.

His task was to clean and look after the shoes that visitors left at the door — the very lowest and dustiest of jobs. At first he did it with a grumbling, resentful heart.

But day by day, as he served humbly, his pride melted away, and a gentle peace grew in him. He learned that no honest service is ever beneath anyone.