In a serene village nestled in the Himalayas, there lived a wise monk named Arun. Known for his peaceful demeanour and gentle wisdom, Arun had chosen a life of simplicity in a small, modest monastery. His daily routine involved meditation, helping villagers, and teaching the young monks who came to learn from him.
One day, a wealthy businessman named Ratan visited the village. Ratan was known for his opulent lifestyle and his impressive collection of cars, homes, and gadgets. He had heard about the wise monk and decided to visit him, hoping to find some peace and happiness amidst his busy life.
Ratan arrived at the monastery, which was surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sound of flowing streams. It was a simple place, with modest rooms and basic facilities. Ratan was accustomed to the luxuries of his life and found the simplicity of the monastery strikingly different from what he was used to.
Arun welcomed Ratan with a warm smile and invited him to sit in the monastery’s courtyard. They shared a simple meal of rice and vegetables, prepared with love by the monks.
“Arun,” Ratan said, “I live in a world of luxury. I have everything one could wish for, yet I often feel restless and unhappy. How is it that you live so simply and still seem so peaceful and content?”
Arun smiled gently. “Ratan, peace, joy, and love are not found in the things we possess or the comforts we have. They are created within us, regardless of our external circumstances.”
Ratan looked puzzled. “But surely, comfort and wealth must contribute to happiness?”
Arun shook his head. “Physical comfort can make life easier, but true peace and happiness come from within. They are not dependent on material possessions. They arise from our thoughts, our attitude, and our ability to find contentment in any situation.”
To help Ratan understand, Arun took him on a walk through the monastery grounds. They reached a quiet spot by a small pond, surrounded by blooming flowers and the gentle hum of nature. Arun sat down and invited Ratan to join him.
As they meditated together, Ratan found himself becoming more relaxed. The stillness of the surroundings, combined with the monk’s calm presence, began to shift his perspective. He realized that the peace he was feeling was coming from within himself, not from the luxurious surroundings he was used to.
After their meditation, Ratan shared his thoughts. “I’ve noticed that the sense of peace I feel here is not related to the comfort or luxury around me. It’s something I’ve found within myself during this time with you.”
Arun nodded. “Exactly. True joy and love are cultivated through our inner state of mind. Even in the simplest of places, we can experience these feelings if we allow ourselves to. It’s about how we view life and how we choose to react to our experiences.”
Ratan left the monastery with a newfound understanding. He realized that while physical comforts could make life pleasant, they were not the source of true happiness. Peace, joy, and love were created within, shaped by his own thoughts and attitudes.
Back in his city life, Ratan began to focus on his inner well-being, practicing mindfulness and gratitude. He found that despite the return to his busy lifestyle, he could still experience profound peace and joy, no matter the physical comforts around him.
In the end, Ratan learned from Arun that while material
wealth and physical comfort are transient, the inner peace and happiness we
cultivate within ourselves are enduring and truly valuable.