Let the things Go – Story
Our mind expands with emotions. The mind is always restless, troubled, and devoid of peace.
So, what can be done to live a peaceful life? If you think about it, this is the only way!
One day, a Zen monk was meditating in his ashram.
At that time, the king of that country was traveling by on horseback.
Upon seeing the monk’s ashram, he stopped his horse, dismounted, and went inside to receive his blessings.
The king asked the monk to bless him.
After blessing the king, the Zen monk looked intently at the king’s face for a while.
Then he asked the king, “Why does your face appear so agitated and restless? Do you have any worries?”
The king had many troubles on his mind, but he didn’t know what to say first.
Seeing the king’s silence, the Zen monk went inside and brought out a vase (a container vessel).
Then he said to the king, “I give this to you as a gift! This is a ceramic vase; it will be helpful to you in many ways. Now you may go. If you feel the need to see me again, then you can come back,” and he sent him on his way.
The king accepted it and took the vase to his palace. The vase was very beautiful to look at, with various intricate designs.
The king used the vase in many ways, such as for carrying water during daily prayers and for picking flowers.
After a few days, one day, while carrying water, he slipped, and the pot fell and broke. The king was deeply saddened by this. He could not bear the loss.
He went back to the ashram to meet the Zen master again.
Upon entering the ashram, he stood before the master and said, “Master, the pot you gave me was very helpful in many ways. At times, I simply kept it near me and admired its craftsmanship. But now it is broken. I am very sad.”
The Zen master listened calmly to the king and said, “When I gave it to you, I knew that it would break one day! That was its lifespan; its purpose was fulfilled. The pot is of no use anymore.
But think about this: You are not truly saddened by the broken pot! It is because you cannot move past the moment the pot broke! Many events happen in our lives. There are good times and bad times. Often, we fully experience the good times and easily move on.
But we cannot so easily move past our failures or humiliations. The reason we live in confusion, without peace of mind or tranquility, in the days that follow, is because we carry the burdens of the past without letting them go! You are the king of a country! You must have a great understanding of the nature of human life.
Even so, why do you carry the burdens of the past on your back and live a life without peace? Let go of what needs to be let go of, where it needs to be let go! Believe that the future will surely be bright!
In our lives, beyond our physical and economic needs, what causes us the most loss of peace are the things we lost and the humiliations we suffered at some point in time!” If we release any event from our minds as soon as it fades from our sight, we too can live a peaceful life.”
The king realized his mistake and got enlightened.
(Offense against Sanyasis & devotees – Story! READ HERE!)