World Tales

The story is the original teaching tool. Through narrative we learn our earliest lessons about friendship, leadership, and what it means to live in community. Generosity is one of those qualities that is central to the survival of every culture. In 2003, Margo began gathering world tales of generosity for a project initiated by the Fetzer Institute. The first phase of the Generosity of Spirit project looked at how world traditions teach generosity through story.

Learning to give is not easy, nor is it easy to learn how to receive. As these stories reveal, giving is a complex act, but one that is essential to the growth of the spirit and the flourishing of community. These stories of generosity are part of the Liberating our Gifts Through Story workshop.

Some titles include:

"A Drum" (India) - A poor woman invites her son to dream. Through his concern for others he receives the drum he wished for. How does receiving with an open heart affect our lives?

"The Secret of Dreaming" (Australian Aboriginal) - In this origin tale we see how creatures are entrusted with each others' dreams. What is the role of humankind as caretaker of the land?

"The Origin of Different Water Animals" (Nagaland) - Four female friends support each other by working the land together. One of them makes a great sacrifice for her companions. Was it necessary?

"The Chief of the Well" (Haiti) - In a time of drought the animals go to God for help. God gives them a well for everyone to use and appoints the lizard as caretaker. Was it a good choice?

"The Clever Sheik of the Butana" (Sudan) - The sheik tricks a thief into revealing himself. How will the sheik dispense justice? Is it possible to show generosity to those who have wronged the community?

"A Blind Man Catches a Bird" (Zimbabwe) - A blind man teaches his sighted brother-in-law about making amends. 

"A Story and a Song" (India) - A story and a song take revenge upon the housewife who knew them but never let them out. What happens to the gifts we don't use?