All Buddhist Stories
This is a well-known Zen or Buddhist parable often titled "The Two Travelers" or "Moving to a New City." It illustrates that our perception of the world is a reflection of our own mindset, rather than an objective reality.
The Story
A traveler was moving to a new, unfamiliar village. Wishing to know if he would like living there, he approached
an old man sitting by the side of the road at the entrance of the village.
"What kind of people live in this village?" the traveler asked.
The old man, who was a wise teacher, replied with another question: "What kind of people live in the village you
have just come from?"
The traveler frowned, his face filled with resentment. "They were mean, cruel, rude, and dishonest. They were
terrible people, and I'm glad to be leaving them behind."
The wise old man shook his head sadly. "I am afraid you will find the exact same kind of people in this village,
too." Disappointed, the traveler walked away, intending to look elsewhere.
Later that same day, a second traveler passed by, heading toward the same village. He also approached the old
man with the same question: "What kind of people live here? I'm thinking of moving here."
Again, the old man asked, "What kind of people live in the village you are leaving?"
The second traveler’s eyes softened. "They were wonderful, generous, kind, and helpful people," he said with a
smile. "I'll miss them terribly, but I must move on."
The old man smiled back warmly. "You will find the exact same kind of people in this village, too."
The Moral Lesson
A bystander who heard both conversations was confused and asked the old man, "Why did you tell the first man the
people here are awful, and the second man that they are wonderful?"
The old man replied, "Because people don't see the
world as it is—they see it as they are."
- Mindset is Reality: The first traveler carried his anger and negativity with him, and therefore, he only perceived negativity in others.
- The World is a Mirror: If you approach the world with kindness and optimism, you will find kindness and optimism in others.
The lesson is that our experiences and relationships are often shaped by our own inner attitudes rather than the
environment itself.
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