What things give you energy?
In the early morning, I will spend an hour debugging my brain. This will create a calm and focused mindset, providing an optimal environment for running my program.
Spending time with family on the weekend, playing games and having dinner, rejuvenates me for the upcoming week.
In the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, nestled among glittering glaciers and towering crags, there lay a tranquil mountain lake. Nearby, in the serene wilderness, stood a humble monastery that housed a venerable Buddha Saint and his diligent pupil. The Buddha Saint was a beacon of wisdom, and his presence drew disciples seeking enlightenment from all corners. Today, it was his favourite pupil, Nanda, who sought solace in his wisdom by the side of the mountain lake.
Overhanging the pristine lake, they sat in a peaceful silence. Nanda’s troubled mind, however, was a ripple disrupting the stillness. He began, “Master, I struggle with acceptance. It is difficult to accept life’s harsh realities.”
His master glanced at him. “Nanda,” he said, “look at this lake. On its surface, it mirrors the grandeur of the mountains, the flight of the birds; it embraces the surrounding life. But it also reflects the occasional clouds, the raging thunderstorm. Is it not accepting of both tranquillity and turbulence without changing its true nature?”
Nanda pondered over the metaphor, but he was still perplexed, “But master, how can one accept a situation that causes immense pain and turmoil?”
His master picked up a small stone and gently threw it into the lake. The calm surface of the lake rippled. “Observe, Nanda,” his master pointed, “the lake accepted the disruption too, didn’t it?
Yet, it is taking its time to regain composure, it’s not resisting or getting agitated, rather it is slowly and gradually returning to its tranquil self. Acceptance is not about not feeling pain. It’s about allowing yourself to feel and understand the pain so that you can begin healing.”
Nanda looked on with wide eyes and gradually began to understand, “So master, acceptance does not equate silence or suppression of feelings, but a compassionate attitude towards one’s own self?”
The Buddha Saint smiled, “Exactly, my dear pupil. Acceptance is a journey that begins with
understanding and empathy. When you accept,
you rise above the eternal chase of ‘what should
be’, and truly appreciate the magnitude of ‘what
is’. Embrace the pain, understand it, and then let
it go. That’s acceptance
As the Buddha Saint’s pearls of wisdom dropped into Nanda’s heart, he felt a heavy burden lift. He gazed at the lake. Now, the turbulence seemed a necessary part of the lake’s tranquillity, just as pain was a part of life. In acceptance, he found, lay the secret to inner peace.
Their session came to an end as the sun began its descent behind the majestic peaks, painting the sky with hues of orange and yellow. And with newfound wisdom, Nanda returned to the monastery, ready to master the art of acceptance.
Thus, in the divine setting of the mountain lake, an insightful discussion unfolded that enlightened a struggling pupil. It taught him to accept, not just the tranquillity of life, but to embrace its turbulence too, marking his first step towards enlightenment.
Powerful Zen story that can help you empty your mind and find inner peace:
The Empty Boat
A master Zen practitioner lived in a small village by a serene river. One sunny morning, as the master sat meditating near the water’s edge, he saw a small boat drifting towards him. Inside the boat was another Zen master, who was also peacefully meditating.
The master of the village called out to the boat, “Do you need any help?”
The Zen master in the boat opened his eyes, looked at the village master, and replied with a smile, “No, I’m not in need of any help. Thank you.”
The master from the village was filled with admiration for the Zen master’s calmness, despite being adrift in an unmanned boat. He asked curiously, “But if you don’t need any help, why did you bother to call out?”
The Zen master smiled gently and replied, “Calling out was not for my benefit, but for yours. You see, if I hadn’t responded, your mind would have been burdened with the thought of someone in danger. By answering, I liberated your mind from unnecessary worry, allowing both of us to experience peace.”
Remember, the key lesson in this story is to let go of unnecessary thoughts and worries that burden your mind. Embrace the present moment and find peace within yourself.
Describe your ideal week.
Engaging myself in a dedicated 30-minute meditation session.
I will learn something new that needs time and focus. Learning a new topic will broaden my knowledge.
Spend the time with my family members.
In the evening, we will go to the local temple and spend the good time. The soothing chants and serene environment of the temple offered peace to my mind.
Finally, the most enchanting part of my day was the sunset i admired from the top of the hill located just a walk away.
THE BETTER SOUL 