The Cracked pot (India Parable)

A water bearer in India carried two large pots from the ends of a pole that he hoisted across his neck. While one of the pots was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water to the master’s house, the other was cracked and arrived only half full.This went on for a full two years, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, but the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection.After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologise to you. This crack in my side causes water to leak out all the time. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” As they went up the hill, the old cracked pot indeed saw the sun warming the wild flowers on the side of the path.The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side, and every day while we walked back from the stream, you watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”