The Secret of Mind : The Zen Story of the Serene Lotus in the Pond

The Secret of Mind : The Zen Story

Once upon a time, in a quiet village surrounded by hills, there lived an old Zen master named Hiroshi. He was famous for being very wise and helping people find peace inside themselves. One day, a young man named Kaito, who was troubled and couldn't calm his mind, came to Hiroshi for help.

Kaito reached Hiroshi's simple home, his mind filled with many thoughts that he couldn't control. He bowed deeply and asked Hiroshi, "Master Hiroshi, I can't find peace. My thoughts are like a fast river, and I'm drowning in them. Please, show me how to control my restless mind."

Hiroshi asked Kaito to sit beside a peaceful pond in his garden. The pond had lily pads on its surface, each holding a beautiful white lotus flower. Hiroshi said, "Watch this pond, Kaito. See how the lotus flowers stay calm even when the water has ripples."

Kaito looked at the pond, confused. "But Master, the lotus flowers are still, while my mind is confused."

Hiroshi smiled and said, "The secret is to accept your mind's nature, just like the lotus flowers accept the ripples in the water. Think of your thoughts as the ripples on the water. You can't make them disappear, and you shouldn't try. Instead, learn to watch them without getting too attached to them."

Kaito closed his eyes and followed Hiroshi's advice. He concentrated on his breathing and let his thoughts come and go, like clouds passing by. At first, it was hard, and his mind resisted. But over time, he started to detach from his thoughts and observe them without judging them.

Days turned into weeks, and Kaito kept practicing by the pond. As he continued, he noticed a change in himself. His thoughts, which were once wild and fast, started to calm down, like a gentle stream. He felt a new sense of clarity and peace.

One morning, after meditation, Kaito opened his eyes and realized the change inside him. He looked at Hiroshi with gratitude and said, "Master, I understand now. My thoughts are like the ripples on the pond, and I can choose not to be swept away by them."

Hiroshi nodded, his eyes reflecting Kaito's new wisdom. "You've learned a valuable lesson, my friend. True mastery of the mind isn't about controlling it but understanding its nature and finding peace amidst its constant movement."

From that day on, Kaito kept practicing and found comfort in the calmness within himself, just like the peaceful lotus flowers in Hiroshi's pond. He had learned to observe his thoughts without holding onto them, and in doing so, he discovered the deep peace he had been searching for.