Happiness Comes from Within

Value: Right Conduct

Sub Value: Right attitude

A Zen monk visited a small village. The villagers gathered around him and placed their requests before him and implored, “Dear Sir, please help us get rid of our problems; let our desires be fulfilled,” and said, “Only then would our lives be full of joy.”

The monk listened to them, silently. The next day, he agreed to be an oracle, which is a voice medium through which Gods gave advice or prophesies.

“Tomorrow at mid-day a miracle is going to take place in this village. Pack all your problems in an imaginary sack, take it across the river, and leave it there. Then, in the same imaginary sack, put everything that you want like gold, jewelry, and food, and bring it home! You do this and your desires will materialize,” declared the monk.

The villagers were in doubt, as to whether this oracle was true or not.

However, the voice from heaven astounded them. They thought they had nothing to lose by following the instructions. If it were true, then they would really get what they wanted and if it were false, anyway, it wasn’t a big deal! So they decided to do what were told.

The next day, at noon, they all packed their troubles in an imaginary sack and went across the river, left it there, and brought back all that they thought would bring them happiness- gold, a car, a house, jewelry, and diamonds.

On their return, they were really stunned! Whatever the oracle had said come true!

The man who wanted a car found one parked in front of his house. The one, who wished for a palatial house, found that his house had turned into one. They were all so happy! Their joy knew no bounds!

But alas! The joy and celebration lasted for a little while. As they began to compare themselves with their neighbors; each one felt the person next door was happier and richer than himself.

Now they began to talk among themselves to pry out more details. Soon, their joy and happiness turned into regrets and remorse.

” I had asked for a simple chain, while the girl next door had asked for an ornate gold necklace and she got it! I just asked for a house but the man residing in the opposite house asked for a mansion. We too should have asked for such things! It was a wonderful opportunity; the chance of a lifetime. We let it slip by, foolishly!”

Such were the thoughts that occupied their minds. Once again they returned to the monk and piled their complaints in front of him.

The village was once again plunged into frustration and discontent.

 Learning

The belief that happiness is unattainable in the presence of problems is common, but it’s important to detach happiness from problems.

While everyone faces challenges, it’s possible to remain happy despite them. Recognize that problems are a part of life, and focus on maintaining happiness while addressing these issues.

The podcast of the story is available at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1498462/episodes/13756080

(Courtesy; Facebook: guru gyanopeidia.)