The Older Sister’s Question – Paulo Coelho Story and Meaning

When her brother was born, Sa-chi Gabriel begged her parents to leave her alone with the baby. They refused, fearing that, as with many four-year-olds, she was jealous and wanted to mistreat him.

But Sa-chi showed no signs of jealousy. And since she was always extremely affectionate towards her little brother, her parents decided to carry out an experiment.

They left Sa-chi alone with their new-born baby, but kept the bedroom door ajar so that they could watch what she did.

Delighted to have her wish granted, little Sa-chi tiptoed over to the cradle, leaned over the baby and said:

“Little brother, tell me what God is like. I'm beginning to forget.”

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author who has sold more than 100 million books, which include 14 short story collections and the novel “The Alchemist.”

What Is the Spiritual Moral / Meaning of the “Older Sister's Question” Story?

The spiritual essence within this story illuminates the purity of innocence and the quest for divine understanding. Sa-chi's innocent curiosity embodies a deep spiritual longing to grasp the essence of the divine. This moral underscores the innate spiritual curiosity that resides within us, suggesting that the quest for understanding the divine isn't limited by age or knowledge but rather thrives in the sincerity of an open heart and a yearning for deeper truths.

Furthermore, the narrative embodies the significance of the bond between siblings and the purity of love. Sa-chi's affectionate nature towards her newborn brother reflects the unconditional love that exists beyond conventional understandings of relationships. It conveys a spiritual message about the power of love to transcend barriers, fostering a sacred connection that goes beyond blood ties and encompasses a deeper, soulful affection rooted in love's pure essence.

Moreover, the story signifies the innocence and openness required to seek spiritual understanding. Sa-chi's innocent inquiry to the newborn encapsulates the idea that true spiritual wisdom often arises from a childlike state of openness and curiosity. It suggests that an uncluttered mind, devoid of preconceived notions or biases, is more receptive to grasping the profound and complex aspects of spirituality, inviting us to approach our quest for divine understanding with a fresh and open perspective.

Additionally, the narrative embodies the spiritual principle of forgetting the divine. Sa-chi's earnest request for her brother to remind her about God suggests the human tendency to forget or lose touch with our innate spiritual essence over time. It highlights the importance of seeking spiritual reconnection, reminding us that in the midst of life's distractions and complexities, we may forget the essence of the divine within us and around us.

Furthermore, the story symbolizes the simplicity and depth of spiritual seeking. Sa-chi's innocent query to her newborn brother reflects the profound simplicity in seeking spiritual truths. It emphasizes that spiritual wisdom doesn't always come through complex philosophies or elaborate rituals but can be found in the simplicity of sincere, heartfelt inquiry and a yearning to comprehend the mysteries of existence.

This story serves as a spiritual mirror, inviting us to embrace the purity of innocence, the depth of love, and the open curiosity that defines our quest for spiritual understanding. It celebrates the unbounded potential for spiritual seeking that exists within us all, urging us to approach our exploration of the divine with the sincerity, simplicity, and openness reminiscent of a child's heart. Through Sa-chi's innocent inquiry, we are reminded of the beauty and profundity in seeking to rediscover the divine amidst the innocence of our spiritual journey