The master story teller, Leo Tolstoy, provides an insightful look into two men who want to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, but different perspectives emerge. Considered a classic in the Tolstoy's genre.
This is a story for humanity.... Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, catholic, rich, poor, American, Russian, British, Japanese, Chinese, African.... ONE Supreme Creator under ONE Sun ONE Unconditional LOVE ONE Universal Brotherhood/ sisterhood. Peace Within and Without. ❤❤❤🛐🛐🛐
@@jerryyoung6494 Thanks for your reply. I do not believe in God as a person. But I respect Jesus as a good human being. I look at the story from the humanitarian side. While one person considered that it is important to complete the pilgrimage and the other considered it more important to help the people in need. In the end the humane one sees God. The vision which Effim had in Jerusalem is symbolic. Tolstoy being both a great humanitarian and a God believer uses the story to tell us how one should really practice the religion. I think he has achieved the purpose.
@@wijithagorakanage4560hello, I hope you have not stopped looking for God though?. God is not a person. God is the creator of all inside space and time as we understand it. Outside of space and time is eternity and eternity is God. The Alpha and Omega the ever spinning circle and dance of true life outside the boundaries of flesh and senses. We are made in the image of God from a Christian stand point. This is why we feel emotion, cry at stories, help our neighbours. We have that moral compass already in us, gifted to us, which sets us aside from creatures. He also gave us free will to decide what we do in this life. All the best to you in your journey. 🙏✝️
@@ashleycooper7208 Thanks for taking your time to reply. I respect everyone's right to follow their own faith as long as it does not preach violence and hatred. I follow Budddha's teaching. Hope that explains.
The two pilgrims have the same goal, but one of them decides to achieve it in a place where a family tragedy requires his intervention. He uses almost all the money he saved for the trip to the Holy Land to save a poor family and then returns home. The other pilgrim who moved on, but upon arriving in the Holy Land he cannot free himself from the fear of being robbed. In this precious gem of Russian literature, Leo Tolstoy illuminates the qualitative difference that exists between believing in something and acting in accordance with that belief. The theme of the tale is more or less similar to that present in the Arthurian cycle of English literature. Many knights seek the Grail, but it only presents itself to one of them. Percival finds the Grail just when he gives up chasing it. Tolstoy's character who gives up on traveling to the Holy Land finds it in the place where he decides to help a family in a desperate situation. His friend continues to pursue the Grail, but he doesn't even find it in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is interesting to note an irony here. Tolstoy fought against the British Empire during the Crimean War, but it was in English literature that he found a theme that he considered important enough to transfigure it to try to instill in Russian readers the idea that virtuous action is better than any belief in one's self virtue.
I've been to the Holy land... The achemis book is similar in so far that it's the journey not the intended destination. Deeds of the heart remain standing while vast structures fall in time. Our actions words thoughts and deeds defines the quality of the journey when alive and transition to that which we resinate with
Tolstoy DID NOT write in English. He wrote in Russian. This is Russian Literature NOT English literature. "but it was in English literature that he found a theme that he considered important enough to transfigure it to try to instill in Russian readers the idea that virtuous action is better than any belief in one's self virtue." What ignorant nonsense!!!
I was a professor of”iterative for many years, now retired. My specialty was the poetry of Spain, but I have read and enjoyed the literature of many countries, many writers. This wonderful piece I’d never read but very glad that I’ve listened to it now. What a shame that young people don’t read much anymore. They learn so much about history, philosophy, and different cultures, and also their personality becomes more gentle and thoughtful. They learn critical thinking. I wish high schools and universities put more emphasis on literature, but sadly, I think that the world of readers and thinkers is forever gone.
I can tell by your post that you are a man with a good heart so I know you have made a difference in the lives of your students. Don’t be discouraged. My granddaughter loves to read. Her aunt sends her books in the mail frequently. Her and her brother were laughing together over the reading of a cat fight in A Mid summers Night Dream, the other night. I suspect that there are many kids out there that are just like them.
I pray you are wrong about the demise of reading but my heart tells me that isn’t the case. Thanks for your comment. I am 81 and, a little over a year ago, was called by God to start writing Bible Commentaries and related spiritual based discourse. It has been the best thing that ever happened to me. The Glory is to God. I am His tool and he guides me both in my writing and my life. Before he selected me for this, I always felt I needed to do more to honor Him but He stepped up and decided for me. I praise Him. Frank Taylor. 🙏
@@frankjtaylor1098Praise God‼️ I know there is a book in me; however I want to be in God’s will and lead by the holy spirit! As a child, I was reading before I could read! I love books - a library filled christian books. I want to disciple 1:1 and to encourage believers & no -believers that God is good - if you pursue Him you will discover He is fir you✝️ However, over 20 years ago my memory “was hijacked” so I don’t remember what I read nor am I reliable source for sharing as I once was! However, I know the Holy Spirit is the remembrancer of all things. So, I continue to spend my days reading - because I am a “Barnabus”. I do look at all my books, includibg my kindle books & audible and ask Holy Spirit to show me /guide me to glorify God🙏🏽 He has a plan for me and it is good✝️ Inspiring to hear of your call & obedience at 81🧡 May God richly bless you and mothers through your commentary✝️
This story beautifully illustrates what true faith is. It is not about religious observance but loving ones neighbor as oneself. Not about self righteousness and criticism of others, but in humility, serving the least of these. That is a true display of faith, and true worship of a God who gave it all to save us when we were destitute in spirit. It is the story of the good Samaritan, a man, shunned by the Religious Jewish leaders, who stopped and helped a gravely wounded man laying on the side of the road, while the Pharisee and a priest contemptuously crossed the road and continued on their way.
I'm a Christian 30 years since my conversion, felt the Lord's hand loved reading his word, but when I'm put through a test, worldly worries in lack or means of acquiring them clouded my mind and obscures my journey to put trust in the Lord's hand without fear and doubt, for nothing is impossible for those who do good deeds, walks with there spirit, abandoned the flesh and its enticing is my prayer that I may overcome this burden, for his hand stretches out still, in his holy name Jesus Christ is my humble prayer. Thank you beautiful story of faith fulfilled with works moved the Lord to fulfill his Promise.❤❤❤❤
Religious observance is helpful since structure holds the spirit- but it depends on how we do things. Its the attitude that makes profane things holy. Post religious societies have a disregard towards structure, especially religious structure because it is never perfect and subject to corrosion.
That may have been the time you needed it most. That's a precious gift that God has presented you with. He is always there, but He is the one that picks you up when you feel all else has failed. To have a friend like that is above all this earth can offer.
Visit your nearest Orthodox Christian Church. Come and see the Faith of Christ unchanged since 33AD. Listen for the many chants and readings from the Bible. And keep on praying in the Spirit... Lord, have mercy .
Thank you, Nerualsurfer for posting this captivating story and for all those who commented here. We were blessed to find it. I have many friends I have not met yet. A stunning reminder of what Love can do as we navigate the chaos in this world. May God continue to Bless us all and may many more realize Truth and come to the Table.
As you sow so shall you reap l pray the spirit of Elisha pours down on this earth and peace and good will pours down on all men and it jesus king of kings lord of Lords amen we need it now we all should pray without ceaseing
I recognised places from the Book of Acts.. so true to life..I feel blessed to have heard a story by Tolstoy and so well read..it was amazing. Thank you whoever's responsible. Love God and love your neighbour. Amen
May God richly bless the person who posted this story here. I've read a lot of stories by Leo Tolstoy but not this one! This story contains lessons for all Christians.
I read this story by Tolstoy when I was in my teens. It made such a great impression I still remember it word for word. I'm now 91years old. I'm not a Christian. Tolstoy is one of the greatest writers in the world.
God is closer than your breath. Accept Him in Christ Jesus and have His unending life before the opportunity ends. God bless and help you find the peace your memories won't allow.
May Jesus Christ open your eyes and ears and change your heart. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to The Father except through Jesus Christ. Choose Jesus Christ before it's too late my friend...
Also Catholicism is not true Christianity. Read the Holy Bible , KJV or ESV daily. Find a non-denominational Christian church that is Bible based only and focuses on Jesus Christ. And may God bless your journey.
May you come to him! God will receive you , even at 91 he is still waiting for you to come to him. Read the scriptures and let them speak to you. They will speak even more than this story.
My book seller just recommended a book by Leo Tolstoy for me to read and I ordered it.After hearing this story, I sense Gods touch in going down this path.Gods speed to you.
@@Queenofthebackroads I just received the book Yvonne,and the title is ,"The Kingdom of God Is Within You", by Leo Tolstoy.I paid 12$ at my bookseller,and it is 325 pages,paperback.
@@Queenofthebackroads I just received the book Yvonne,and the title is ,"The Kingdom of God Is Within You", by Leo Tolstoy.I paid 12$ at my bookseller,and it is 325 pages,paperback.
This story is very similar to Henry van Dyke's, " The Other Wise Man ". I enjoyed them both, and have lived this way of life for many years. My blessings to others, blesses me.
This is essentially the same message that Voltaire had in his play Candide. The best way to serve our fellow human beings is to cultivate our own gardens... which essentially means the best thing you can do for your country and for God is to take care of your family and your neighbors and hopefully they will do the same for you.
@@dubinatub1Those so-called "Churches" are not of Christ but are of Paul, a Pharisee who knew nothing of how Christ ministered. But the church is in the Bible, you say. And yes, it is. But the way Christ ministered is also in the Bible and we are required to choose whom we should follow. With Love, Jesus ministered or preached on mountaintops, seashores, desert places, wildernesses, villages, highways and byways, etc., without doors to which all, sinners and priests alike, were welcome. And He rejected the beautiful man-made synagogues and only entered them to teach those therein, the unrighteousness of their ways.
It is so touching and so beautiful - and it reminds me of the story, The Fourth Wise Man, which always brings me to tears. If you have never read it, please do. God bless.
Very good story. I just discovered the station, and I'm going to be listening to a lot of these while I crochet and do stuff with my hands thank you so much!
It is my pleasure to write to you. Listening to this story reminded that all is well and life gives us back what we offer it and to be kind with all because we are one spirit.❤ Thank you foe sharing 🎉
Hi Pilgrimages to the ‘ Holy Land’ don’t make you holy! You certainly can’t buy holiness! To be close to the Lord we have to be like He IS not where He WAS! Wonderful story illustrating this fact! Like the quote from the Samaritan woman at the well, at the beginnings of this tale! Shalom to us only in Christ Yeshua PRINCE OF PEACE returning soon at the Feast of Tabernacles to reign over His Creation on The Throne of David from Jerusalem forever to the glory of God The Father!
Love and sacrifice cost Yeshua everything for you and me. The story is about the death in religion, Yeshua has poured His love into our hearts. Those who are forgiven much love much.
I've never read Tolstoy before this. War and Peace? Over 1200 pages. Not gonna happen at the moment. I've been too sick. So this introduction to Tolsty has come along at just the right moment. I listened to a few Tolstoy stories yesterday and it lightened my heart/mind. I'm now telling my friends about these stories and i hope it gladdens their hearts too.
It’s not about Christianity or any other organized religion though. It’s about real stuff! Compassion and love for one another.. that’s the real religion. Beautiful!! Loved it
This is a great story of two individuals, and how they saw life. When you welcome Jesus in your lifeH directs your path, no doubt. Some people try to control their surroundings and the people they are responsible to love, yet they are missing the peace that passes all understanding which God has promised to keep their hearts in Christ Jesus. Peace seems to be rewarded with abundant life. Loved this story!
It's a great and heartwarming story of two friends who love God but had a different way of showing their love. But Elisha did more because he loved others more than himself. "_And now abide faith, hope and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love". 1Corinthians 13:13
😇 “It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness.”❤️🔑🙏🏽 Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV
God, The heart, the love, Mercy upon us He gives freely. We must learn to recognize blessings, the receipt and giving of them. A Blessing this read gives and gives this moment albeit Tolstoy is not with us physically but for certain, the Holy Spirit lives eternally. All the Glory to God - gifted the Fruits of the Spirit. Amen
❤Although I have heard of this author, I've never had a chance to read his stories; I will definately do so now. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.❤