In a beautiful small village, lived Ravindra. Ravindra was a humble farmer with a simple mud house and a thatched roof. He had just a few pieces of furniture and worked hard every day to provide for his family. Despite having very little money, Ravindra was known for his cheerful nature and warm heart.
One day, a wealthy businessman named Swapan visited the village. Swapan was known for his big house, fancy clothes, and busy schedule. Curious about how villagers lived, he visited Ravindra’s modest home and was surprised.
“How can you be so content with so little?” Swapan asked.
Ravindra smiled and replied, “Less money can give us less comfort, but whether or not it can disturb us is completely our choice.”
Swapan was puzzled. “But isn’t financial security important? I work hard to ensure my future and provide for my family. What if something unexpected happens?”
Ravindra nodded thoughtfully. “Planning for the future is wise but imagine a boat with too many people in it. It becomes heavy and unstable. If you try to balance it with even more weight, it risks capsizing. Similarly, working too much for future security can create unnecessary stress at the present. Be watchful of that. I grow my own food and live simply, which helps me manage with what I have and reduces that risk.”
Swapan countered, “I work for higher status and a better lifestyle. It’s important to climb the social ladder and be recognized for my achievements. Don’t you think that’s important?”
Ravindra shook his head gently. “Status can be like a shadow—always changing and never truly stable. It can stretch long when the sun is high but disappears when it sets. My contentment doesn’t come from social status but from the steady light of daily life and the love of my family. We support each other and find joy in simple moments, which is more enduring than fleeting recognition.”
Swapan, intrigued but not convinced, spent a day with Ravindra. He helped in the fields, shared meals, and witnessed the laughter and warmth within the family. That evening, as they sat outside, Ravindra pointed to the clear sky and said, “See, Swapan, this is my status—appreciating nature’s beauty and spending time with loved ones. It’s enough for me.”
The next morning, Swapan brought up another concern. “Meeting deadlines and achieving goals is a big part of my life. I need to be constantly working and planning to stay ahead. Doesn’t that create pressure, even if it’s for a good cause?”
Ravindra nodded, acknowledging the truth in Swapan’s words. “I understand. But think of a pot on a stove. If you keep the heat too high, it might boil over and create a mess. By keeping the heat steady and manageable, the pot can simmer perfectly. My work is simpler, but it’s steady and fulfilling. I find that reducing unnecessary stress helps me manage my life better and keeps me happier.”
Swapan returned to his luxurious home, reflecting on his experience. As he lay in his plush bed, he felt a deep sense of unease. The stress of deadlines and maintaining his status had made him restless. He realized that despite his wealth, he often lacked peace of mind.
The next time Swapan visited Ravindra, he thanked him. “I see now that it’s not just about financial security or status. It’s about finding balance and choosing peace over constant stress. I want to learn to be more like you.”
Ravindra’s eyes twinkled. “True comfort comes from within. It’s not about having more or less; it’s about choosing to be at peace with what you have and finding joy in simple things.”
Swapan began to appreciate the small joys in life and focused more on his family. Though his lifestyle didn’t change dramatically, his perspective did. He learned to balance his ambitions with moments of peace, finding contentment in the present.
Echoing between the green hills and winding rivers that
surrounded the village, the lesson remained clear: “Less money can give us less
comfort, but whether or not it can disturb us is completely our choice.”