Orthodox Parables and Stories: "The Owl and the Sage by Alexander Shubnikov"

 

One day before dawn, the owl flew to the sage and said:

-"All animals and birds consider you the wisest in the world, and only you can help me. For a hundred years now, I have not been able to find the answer to the main question: why do I, who hate darkness, always try to avoid it, but forever live only in darkness?"

"Avoiding adversity is not the same as striving for happiness,” the Sage replied. "Avoiding darkness, you always think only of it, backing away from it, not seeing the road, instead of going straight to the light. Think about light, strive for light, seek light, and you will quickly find what you are looking for!"

"Thank you for your advice!" the owl hooted. "Now I will fly to my hollow, I will rest properly, and as soon as night falls, I will fly away from it and will never return to the hated darkness!"

He flapped his wings and flew away.

The sage silently shrugged his shoulders, turned and walked towards the Sun.