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"Maktub" means "It is written." The Arabs feel that "It iswritten" is not really a good translation, because, althougheverything is already written, God is compassionate, and wrote itall down just to help us.The wanderer is in New York. He hasoverslept an appointment, and when he leaves his hotel, he findsthat his car has been towed by the police. He arrives late for hisappointment, the luncheon lasts longer than necessary, and he isthinking about the fine he will have to pay. It will cost afortune.Suddenly, he remembers the dollar bill he found in thestreet the day before. He sees some kind of weird relationshipbetween the dollar bill and what happened to him that morning. "Whoknows, perhaps I found that money before the person who was supposedto find it had the chance? Maybe I removed that dollar bill fromthe path of someone who really needed it. Who knows but what Iinterfered with what was written?"He feels the need to rid himselfof the dollar bill, and at that moment sees a beggar sitting on thesidewalk. He quickly hands him the bill, and feels that he hasrestored a kind of equilibrium to things."Just a minute," saysthe beggar. "I'm not looking for a handout. I'm a poet, and I wantto read you a poem in return.""Well, make it a short one,because I'm in a hurry," says the wanderer.The beggar says, "Ifyou are still living, it's because you have not yet arrived at theplace you should be."1
 
Think of the lizard. It spends most of its life on the ground,envying the birds and indignant at its fate and its shape. "I amthe most disliked of all the creatures," it thinks. "Ugly,repulsive, and condemned to crawl along the ground."One day,though, Mother Nature asks the lizard to make a cocoon. The lizardis startled -- it has never made a cocoon before. He thinks that heis building his tomb, and prepares to die. Although unhappy withthe life he has led up until then, he complains to God: "Just when Ifinally became accustomed to things, Lord, you tak>away what little I have." In desperation, he locks himself intothe cocoon and awaits the end. Some days later, he finds that hehas been transformed into a beautiful butterfly. He is able to flyto the sky, and he is greatly admired. He is surprised at themeaning of life and at God's designs.2
 
A stranger sought out the Father Superior at the monastery ofSceta."I want to make my life better," he said. "But I cannotkeep myself from having sinful thoughts."The father noticed thatthe wind was blowing briskly outside, and said to the stranger:"It's quite hot in here. I wonder if you could seize a bit ofthat wind outside and bring it here to cool the room.""That'simpossible," the stranger said."It is also impossible to keepyourself from thinking of things that offend God," answered themonk. "But, if you know how to say no to temptation, they willcause you no harm."3
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Barbara Korycinska

yes I would love to have a copy too:) Please I have been looking everywhere. barbkory@hotmail.com

reply08 / 09 / 2011
elenath_oloriell

hey all, I would be very gratefull if someone could send me the copy..I am looking for this book soo long..elenath_oloriell@yahoo.com thanks a looot

reply07 / 15 / 2011
deleted_fbuser_1316383964

Could you send me a copy of the book, please, to arevi4ka@gmail.com? Thank you very much! :)

reply06 / 01 / 2011
Aquib Rashid Pandit

coehlo fan ha,.. nice collection

reply03 / 03 / 2011
Moe Grill

Would it be at all possible to send me a copy of this please? moe.grill@gmail.com Forever grateful.

reply02 / 18 / 2011
Anthony Tracy

I'm so happy to find and English version of Maktub, can you please email me a copy of this book at soulflyat420@yahoo.com? Thank you so much!

reply10 / 26 / 2010
AnnaMarieNotario

good day, please send me copy of this book to my e-mail marie4385@yahoo.com, thank you so much

reply05 / 06 / 2010
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