There is an ancient Zen parable that tells of a young monk-in-training who searches the world for a true master and a peaceful place. Yet, he finds only angry, unhappy people everywhere he goes.
After roaming through many towns the young monk meets a Zen teacher in disguise who asks the traveler what he has experienced during his journey. When the teacher hears of displeasure and misery from the young monk, he replies, “I think that you will only find more of the same anger and unhappiness where ever you go. Only when we find love and true light within ourselves could we see life differently.”
The young monk doesn’t recognize the teacher nor understand the teaching and leaves as he walked in, angry and unhappy.
The young monk sees anger and unhappiness everywhere because he carries the anger and unhappiness within.
Whatever you hold within translates to the physical world through experiences and interactions. Transformation occurs when you acknowledge, accept and embrace your shadow self.
Inspiring post! The monk was clearly not practising acceptance. That is to accept life the way it is. The monk could not receive this Spiritual guidance from the Zen Master because of his thoughts about everybody’s unhappiness. Thanks for sharing this.
I think we are more like the monk than we think, in one way or another.
Wonderful parable and do full of truth. Thank you
You’re welcome!!
And there lays the wisdom for us all to find 😀
Great post 😀
Thank you Mark! 🙏
Yes absolutely true and agree totally with this profound and inspiring story, Bernice. Everything is inside of you and that is how you see the world from that perspective. Drop all this so called negatives and life is beautiful. Great post.
An important reminder, Bernice! We have a tendency to judge our surroundings before looking within ourselves. With a positive mind and a loving heart, it’s much likely that we’ll notice the good in life.
I’ll toast to that!! ✨
such a delightful story with such a beautiful message that what we carry around within us makes us who we are and how we see the world. bless you for sharing this.
👍👍👍… spiritually enlightening and a story with a great lesson to learn
😊
This is so true. What we hold within shapes the exterior world.
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So true!!!
I love to read such meaningful, beautiful stories. Thank you for sharing!!
You’re welcome Vrunda. Glad you liked it.
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https://musl1mteens.WordPress.com
Agree 100% so true. Happy sunday and happy week ahead.
Enjoy your week ahead too!!
Hi Bernice I’ve noticed your absence this past while and am delighted to see your new post! It is so true we can’t expect others to make us happy, it is something we must do for ourselves! Lovely insightful story. Le grà, Marie xx
I’ve been itching to write but needed to unplug. Happy to be back.
I can empathise, but self-care first! Xx
Beautiful ❤️
Thank you Barbara!
Inspirational!👌
I enjoyed it also – had to share.