Bhutanese elders have many short stories and anecdotes with religious and moral messages to tell. The anecdotes are about both historical and legendary figures and are often witty and entertaining as well as educating and edifying. The short stories and anecdotes form a very skilful medium for transmission of certain spiritual and moral messages and values. The short episodes and anecdotes are often taken out of larger biographical or historical story. Religious persons often cite such short stories and anecdotes in their religious sermons to give a illustrate their points or as a exemplary life from which to draw inspiration.