As wisdom goes, we all have our faults. But what actions or deeds are the most unforgivable? AdmiGram.com shares an ancient parable that best addresses this question.
A parable about which sin is the most terrifying
Once, two highly respected individuals witnessed their longtime friend go to great lengths and then commit the most unforgivable offense. Discussing what they had witnessed, they slowly approached what, exactly, could be considered the most unacceptable in our world.
As the debate raged on, other worthy people joined in, each with their own view on the most dreadful and unforgivable transgression in human life. Eventually, the most fervent supporters of truth decided to turn to the wisest elder to settle their disputes once and for all.
Those seeking truth, in their long and arduous journey, were joined by others who also relentlessly sought an answer to this pressing question. Along the way, they encountered many fallen into sin: drunkards, thieves, and shameless individuals. Suffice it to say, there was plenty of material for discussion and debate.
During evening meals by the fire, truth-seekers reasoned, criticized, and argued over what they had encountered that was the most dreadful and unforgivable. Some of the pilgrims were certain it was hypocrisy or false testimony. Others insisted it was slander and envy. Still, others tried to argue that it was deceit and raising a hand against one’s neighbor…
And finally, the vast crowd of truth-seekers stood before the wisest one. They all wanted just one answer to what was the most unforgivable. For several days, they recounted to the sage how they had been witnesses to the most despicable human actions.
And then, after the last speaker fell silent, the travelers turned to the sage for his judgment:
‘Oh, wisest one,’ they said, ‘tell us, who among all the unworthy ones committed the most dreadful deed and sinned most heavily?’
The sage, after a brief pause, sighed heavily and replied:
‘All of you who have come to me…’
‘What? How? Why?’ The bewildered travelers stared at the sage in confusion.
‘But we did nothing! How does that involve us?’
‘Precisely because you did nothing. There were so many of you, you all understood, yet you failed to find either the wisdom, the courage, or the desire to put an end to what you witnessed.’
Leaning on his staff, the sage left the dumbfounded ‘righteous’ behind.
