Now, once upon a time, there was a young boy named Zico, who lived with his father in a village.
Zico's father planted a tree near their house. And the tree was watered every day by Zico's father, while Zico used to watch silently. One day, he asked his father why they would grow this tree. And his father told him that the trees are like children, and that in the beginning you have to water them and nourish them. And if they grow right, you can sit under their shade and they nourish you afterwards.
The tree grew up big and strong. It grew older and older and bigger and bigger.
The tree felt great satisfaction in doing its daily duties. Every day, the tree spread its branches like its arms, so that the tired birds could sit down and take some rest during their journey. It grew in abundance and shady leaves which gave relief to the animals and humans from the heat of the sun. It grew fruits, too, which dropped down and fulfilled the hunger of beings.
It also had beautiful flowers that calmed down the minds and hearts of those who watched them.
Its roots run deep, and helped drain the water in the thirsty Earth. It absorbed the carbon of the air and returned happy and fresh air back to the creation.
The tree led a very happy and satisfied life. Years passed, and the tree left no day wasted to serve the planet. It had lost itself in the duty of its existence.
It served and served, helped and helped, gave and gave, and stood upright, silently, not seeking anything back from the world, not remembering what all it had done for the world, not even a moment of thought that the world owed it something in return. The tree had no ego to seek anything back from those he served.
With this nature of giving, the tree grew older and came to be known as the giving tree.
Meanwhile, Zico grew up in a different thought process. He grew up as a seeker, totally opposite to the tree which his father grew, which was a giver.
Zico was a selfish man.
He had a lot of greed. His desires were never ending. Whenever his desires could not be fulfilled, Zico grew angry and upset, picking up and throwing things around. And whenever his desires got fulfilled, he immediately had another set of desires.
So, in this way, Zico lived unhappily, seeking, being greedy, and ever unfulfilled.
He was caught in the mischievous cycle of desires, which, when unfulfilled, always leads to anger, and when fulfilled, leads to new desires. A typical cycle of desire.
Due to Zico's angry nature, he was abandoned by his friends, his wife, his children, and in the end, his village. He was left all alone.
He became homeless.
He felt that all his life he had worked and lived for his family, his friends, his neighbors, and his community. And today he was abandoned and was left alone by everyone. He went into self pity mode.
The feelings of self victimization and self pity swallowed him, and he lived his life cursing the world, and calling out loud that the world used him. He would walk around the village like a mad man, screaming out loudly, "This world has abandoned me and used me." And eventually, he sat down under the shade of the tree which his father had planted.
The tree, as usual, was singing in the joy of his daily service to the world, with birds on his branches, eating its fruits and enjoying its shade. The tree had lost itself in the joy of serving the world, when suddenly its meditation and its duties were broken by Zico, sitting along its trunk and crying.
"Zico, what happened?" the giving tree asked, when he saw him crying.
"Can't you see yourself?" Zico replied. "This world used me. Everyone has used me. I just came to this world to be used."
The Zen Owl Nishitzu was watching the whole scene from a distance on his mountain, and started laughing out loudly.
Laughing and holding his belly, he asked Rico, the anxious rabbit, to look at the scene, pointing to the tree and Zico.
"Look at them, Rico." Nishitzu said. "That is the irony of life. One man has lost himself in the grief of existence just because he wants and wants. That man feels heavy, so he will suffer and suffer, and will die craving.
The other, which is the tree, has lost itself in the bliss and joy of giving and giving.
That tree will blossom even more. It feels light, it will rise and rise to the highest heavens.
Both were planted by the same man, but both have taken different paths.
Both got used by the world.
We all are here to be used by the world.
And it is a wonderful thing to be used by existence."
Saying this, Nishitzu, the Zen Owl, retired into his hut to prepare his cup of tea.
This was the story: The World Used Us. From the book, Nishitzu: Tibetan Buddhism Stories by Zen Owl. Thank you so much and stay blessed.
1:
Non-Acceptance of Negativity:
Buddha teaches that insults and anger are like gifts. If you refuse to accept them, they remain with the giver, protecting your inner peace. (Illustrated by Buddha's response to the abuser).
2:
Restraint as Active Strength:
True strength lies not in reacting with anger, but in consciously choosing restraint, compassion, and silence. It's mastery over mind, speech, and action, not passive avoidance. (Buddha's core teaching and Chandrak/Kumar/Malav's lived example).
3:
Restraint is a Lifelong Practice:
Transformation isn't instantaneous or permanent without effort. Restraint requires continuous, daily practice in all aspects of life (eating, speaking, thinking) and persistence through repeated failures. (Chandrak's ongoing tests, Kumar's water pot lesson, Buddha's lamp analogy).
4:
Inner Transformation Creates Outer Change:
Mastering oneself through restraint is the foundation for positively influencing others and transforming society. Personal peace radiates outward, fostering dialogue, forgiveness, and harmony. (Chandrak changing his village, Kumar's centers, Malav converting Agnivesh).
5:
Conquering the Self is the Greatest Victory:
True victory isn't over external enemies, but over one's own anger, ego, and impulses. This internal victory brings lasting peace and is the source of genuine influence and societal change. (The recurring theme from Buddha to Chandrak to Kumar to Malav's final teachings).
Bonus:
The ultimate teaching: 1: When the mind says speak, keep silence. 2: When the heart says run, stop. 3: When the ego says win, embrace someone. (The concise essence of a restrained life).
Story
Very long ago. Gautam Buddha went to a village with his disciples to give a sermon. There was a young man there who was jealous of Buddha’s knowledge and influence. He wanted to humiliate Buddha so that people would stop respecting him. One day, while Buddha was teaching the villagers, that young man came and started abusing him in front of the whole assembly. He used foul words, insulted him, and even called him a hypocrite. The entire gathering was stunned. The disciples became angry and said, "Lord, permit us, we will teach this arrogant man a lesson." But Buddha smiled and said, "No, stay restrained." Then Buddha looked at the young man and said, "Son, if someone wants to give a gift and the other person does not accept it, then with whom does the gift remain?" The young man thought for a moment and said, "It stays with the one who gave it." Buddha calmly replied, "Exactly so; the foul words you spoke to me, I did not accept, so those foul words are still with you." Silence fell over the assembly. The young man was ashamed, tears rolled from his eyes. He fell at Buddha’s feet and began to ask for forgiveness.
Buddha caressed his head and said, "When anger is answered not with anger but with restraint and compassion, only then does peace come to society. Restraint is true strength."
After that day, the young man who had come to insult Buddha was completely transformed. He not only became a follower of Buddha but also began trying to walk the path of restraint. His name was Chandrak.
Chandrak now attended Buddha’s sermons every day, meditated, and practiced restraint, yet changing one’s nature is not easy. One day some children saw him meditating and started teasing him. One child came up and said, "Hey Chandrak, now you’ve become a saint? Even though everyone knew how angry you used to be." The other children laughed. Anger arose in Chandrak’s mind, but he immediately remembered Buddha’s words—if a gift is not accepted, it returns to the giver. Chandrak closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and smiled. After a while the children saw that he had become absorbed in meditation without saying a word. They quietly slipped away. Within Chandrak, the flame of restraint had begun to burn. Another test: A few months later, Buddha set out on a journey with his disciples. When they reached a village that had once been terrorized by robbers, the village head came to invite them. He said, "Lord, in our village there was a robber named Angulimal; you had changed him too. Bless our village." Buddha smiled and decided to stay there. Chandrak was with them. An old woman came and fell at Buddha’s feet. Crying, she said, "Lord, my son has left the path of restraint. He is lost in gambling and drink. Will you talk to him?"
Buddha looked at Chandrak and said, "Chandrak, will you meet that young man?" Chandrak was surprised; it was the first time Buddha had entrusted him with guiding someone else. But he bowed his head and said, "As you command, Lord." The youth was very arrogant and proud.
When Chandrak reached him, the youth laughed and said, "O saint, come to teach me? First tell me the story of your own life!" Chandrak calmly told his past—how he had been angry, proud, and arrogant; how he had insulted Buddha, and how Buddha’s restrained gaze had changed his life. The youth was silent for a while, then said, "Can a person really change?" Chandrak replied, "Everyone can change, if they understand themselves and practice restraint. Restraint is not bondage, but inner strength." From that day the youth kept coming to meet Chandrak. Gradually he began to change. He distanced himself from gambling and drink, and one day he also came to see Buddha. Depth of restraint: One night during a meditation retreat, Buddha asked his disciples, "What is restraint?" Many answers came— not to be angry, to avoid greed, to remain calm. Buddha smiled and said, "Restraint is not merely controlling anger. It is watchfulness over mind, speech, and action. When the mind thinks something bad, restraint recognizes it and stops it; when speech is harsh, restraint makes it sweet; when hands wish to strike, restraint shows them the path of peace." Chandrak asked, "Lord, if a person repeatedly makes mistakes, repents, then makes mistakes again, can restraint enter him?" Buddha looked at him deeply and said, "Restraint comes through practice and practice through continuity. Just as dripping water carves stone, so practice one day changes even a hard nature. The most important thing is not to give up." Chandrak’s test: Time passed. Chandrak had become an ideal disciple, but life’s tests never end. One day while travelling, a man told Buddha and his disciples to move off the road. When they refused, the man became furious. He pushed Chandrak. The disciples were startled. Anger rose in Chandrak, but he kept restraint. He stood still. Humbly he said to the man, "Brother, we do not wish to block anyone’s way. If our presence has caused you trouble, please forgive us; we will move aside at once." Tears came to the man’s eyes. He said, "I have seen many saints, but seldom have I seen such restraint as yours." Buddha smiled. He who conquers himself is the true victor. Final lesson: Chandrak’s life had changed. He had become a living symbol of restraint. From village to town people listened to him and were transformed. One day he asked Buddha, "Lord, should I now return home? Should I light the lamp of restraint in my own village?" Buddha said, "The lamp that has lit itself will spread light wherever it goes." Chandrak returned, and in his village a tradition of restraint and peace began. Teaching: This story teaches us that restraint is not a one-time act; it is a way of life. One who keeps restraint not only elevates his own life but also raises others. The life of Buddha and the stories of his disciples prove that self-control is the first step to self-development. After returning to the village Chandrak began the work of restraint and practice. On the first day when he arrived, people looked at him with contempt. An old farmer mocked, "Is this the same Chandrak who used to burn like fire with anger? Now become a priest of peace?" Chandrak bowed humbly and said, "Yes, I am the same, but now I am on the journey to know myself. I have burned much in the fire of anger; I have come now to turn that burning into coolness." Gradually he began teaching meditation to the village children, telling stories of restraint to the youth, and serving the elderly. After a few days the atmosphere of the village began to change. Where once abuse and fights were common, now showers of peace and cooperation were visible. Old test, new path: One day a man from the village itself, Dharmadutt, who had once been Chandrak’s bitter enemy, came to insult him. In the village square, before everyone, Dharmadutt said, "Chandrak, you wander about as a holy man? Have you forgotten you once insulted my mother? Today in my eyes you are a hypocrite." The whole crowd was silent. All eyes were on Chandrak. He neither panicked nor became angry. In a calm voice he said, "Dharmadutt, I admit I have made many mistakes in the past. If any word of mine has hurt you, I ask forgiveness from my heart. The first rule of restraint for me is to renounce ego." Dharmadutt was dumbfounded. The very man he had come to insult was joining his palms and asking forgiveness. This scene touched people’s hearts deeply. Within days Dharmadutt himself became Chandrak’s disciple. Effect of meditation: Chandrak built a small hut near the village where daily meditation and talks were held. He said the practice of restraint should be done not only in difficult times but every moment—while eating, speaking, walking, thinking. One day a woman came; her son stole and raged at home. She said, "Teach my son restraint, I am exhausted." Chandrak asked her to come after three days. On the third day she returned; Chandrak called the boy and gently asked, "Do you think someone can always cook for you, give you clothes, endure your lies and stealing? Your childhood will end." The boy lowered his head and said, "No." Then will you become one whom people fear or whom people love? The boy said, "Whom they love." Chandrak smiled and said, "Then restraint is your path. One who keeps restraint becomes worthy of true love." The boy bowed his head at Chandrak’s feet. This was the same Chandrak who once insulted others with harsh words, and today he was lifting people with love, restraint, and compassion. Chandrak’s inner journey: One day while meditating, a question arose within: Have I really changed, or am I still deceiving myself? He decided to go and ask Buddha. He set out for Bodhgaya. After many days he reached Buddha, bowed, and asked, "Lord, how does change become permanent? Often doubt arises within." Buddha smiled, lit a lamp, and said, "Chandrak, as long as this lamp burns, darkness cannot come, but if not tended it can go out. Change is the same; it needs daily ghee of practice and wick of restraint, only then will the lamp burn forever." Tears were in Chandrak’s eyes. He understood that this practice would continue lifelong. There is no final destination in self-building, only the journey. Final scene: Time passed. Chandrak grew old, but in the village his place had become that of a guru. Children called him Baba Sanyam. One day he called a young disciple and said, "Son, conquering the world is easy, but conquering oneself is the hardest. Yet whoever conquers himself, wherever he goes, spreads peace—this is the fruit of restraint." He closed his eyes and breathed his last. There was silence in the village, but within a light had spread—the light of restraint. Though Chandrak was no more, his teaching, his life, and his restraint lived on in people. Although Chandrak had aged in body, his restraint, his thought, and his inner strength had become sharper than ever. People of the village called him Sanyam Baba. His ashram was now not just a meditation center but a school of peace. Every morning villagers gathered there. Some sought control over anger, others to teach discipline to their children, still others balance in life. Chandrak listened to all, smiled, and spoke a few lines that changed the direction of life. One day’s incident: One day a wealthy merchant brought his son. The boy was arrogant, proud, and selfish. The merchant said, "Baba, I have given him wealth, education, comforts, but he loves no one, knows no humility. I leave him with you; change him." Chandrak smiled and said, "Restraint cannot be forced on anyone; it arises from within, but I shall try." The youth, named Kumar, said on the first day, "Baba, you are old; what will you teach? I want to learn nothing." Chandrak gave no reaction. He simply smiled, placed in Kumar’s hand a thin rope and an earthen pot filled with water, and said, "Every morning when this pot is completely empty, bring it to me and until then do not speak a word." Kumar first took it as a joke, but he did as told. Effect of silence: On the first day when the pot emptied he brought it to Chandrak without a word. Second day the same, third day the same. Gradually the process became habit. Where he once spoke at every little thing, now during that morning hour he kept silent. Silence increased his attention; attention led to thought, and thought to inner peace. One day he asked, "Baba, why are you only teaching me to stay silent?" Chandrak said, "Because the first restraint is of speech. When you gain control over your words, only then can you win over thoughts and actions." Kumar bowed his head. Inner revolution: Kumar had changed greatly. All day he served Chandrak, meditated, and taught village children. One day outside the village an angry youth slapped an old farmer. People ran to beat the youth, but Kumar stepped in. Stopping them he said, "One in anger is blind. If you punish him in the same blindness, what difference will remain?" The youth began to cry. Kumar embraced him. Chandrak watched from afar, closed his eyes, and smiled within. The seed of restraint was now bearing fruit. Chandrak’s final teaching: One evening Chandrak called Kumar and other disciples. "Restraint is not merely a weapon of self-defense but the power to save society. When restraint is within you, it begins to spread around you." Kumar asked, "Baba, if the mind ever wavers, what should be done?" Chandrak said, "Then remember, no answer is greater than silence, no practice greater than breath, no victory greater than forgiveness." That night Chandrak sat in meditation and left his body. A smile of peace was on his face. The whole village wept, yet felt proud that their village had seen a saint who had lived restraint. Years later Kumar himself had become a guru. He built centers of restraint across the land, teaching how to avoid anger, desire, delusion, and pride. One day a youth asked, "Gurudev, what is the greatest victory in the world?" Kumar pointed silently to the hair on his head, then to his palm. The youth did not understand. Kumar smiled and said, "One who keeps his head—thoughts—and his hands—actions—in restraint has conquered the world." Without lifting a sword Kumar had become renowned as a great ascetic and teacher. From every corner people came to learn the path of restraint and peace. Scholars, merchants, even royal family members came to his ashram, but with height came greater tests. The path of restraint looks simple yet is hardest within. Seed of ego: One day a young man named Malav came to the ashram. His face was radiant but his eyes held deep conflict. He said, "Gurudev, I have learnt meditation in many places, done yoga, practiced penance, but peace does not come. All say you can change life. I wish to stay with you for a year." Kumar smiled and said, "Peace is not found outside but within, but first tell me: can you leave your knowledge?" Malav was startled. "Why? Can knowledge also be an obstacle?" Kumar said, "When knowledge becomes ego it is the greatest obstacle. The first step of restraint is to drop the illusion of being knowledgeable." Malav bowed and began living in the ashram. At first he was irritated by strict rules, silence, and service work; he felt above it all, but gradually Kumar’s humility, the power of silence, and the atmosphere of restraint began to touch him. Hour of test: One day there was a great uproar in the ashram. A rich man from a neighboring village, Suresh, accused Kumar’s disciples of stealing from his fields. He declared, "Your restraint is a show, your disciples are hypocrites. If you have truth within, hand over your dear disciple to me." Malav knew the accused were innocent. The other disciples were angry, but Kumar was calm. He signaled silence and went to Suresh and said, "Brother, if you believe my disciples are guilty, I am ready to come with you. Let us go before the village court." Suresh was shaken. His face dropped in shame. He said, "Before a sage like you my false words cannot stand. Forgive me." Kumar smiled and said, "When the lamp of truth burns within, the storm of lies cannot last long. Restraint is the greatest shield of truth." Malav watched and the knots within him began to loosen. End of ego: One evening after meditation Kumar told all disciples, "Tomorrow bring one pot each, fill it with water, and come to me. If any pot spills I will send that person back." Next day all came. Some pots were half full, some full; all walked slowly so no water would fall. Malav walked proudly. He had filled his pot completely and said, "See, Gurudev, not a drop spilled." Kumar smiled and softly asked, "Tell me, is the pot of your mind also as full without a drop of ego?" Malav was shaken to the core. He understood: restraint is not outward balance but inner silence, humility, and awareness. That day Malav placed all his medals, degrees, and honors at Chandrak’s samadhi and said, "Now I wish to learn as an empty pot." Kumar caressed his head and said, "This is the first step. Only when the pot is empty can the nectar of restraint be poured in." Change in society: Kumar now began sending disciples to villages. Each was given a lamp, symbol of restraint, patience, and compassion. He said, "Go to every village and set up a restraint center. There people will meditate and practice dialogue, forgiveness, and service." Gradually restraint centers sprang up across the region. Where quarrels once occurred, people now sat together to find solutions; where abuses flew, now peace chants echoed. Even the king heard and came to Kumar and said, "Gurudev, without lifting a sword you have changed the whole kingdom. How is this possible?" Kumar said, "King, for one who wins the war within, no external enemy remains, and when the whole society wins within, no external war is needed." The king bowed and ordered restraint centers in his palace. Final moments: Kumar had grown old. One day he called all chief disciples—Malav, Sudama, Priya, Anant, and others. He said, "My dear ones, the time has come for me to enter the final depth of silence. You must now carry this lamp forward." Malav said, "Gurudev, you taught us the meaning of restraint: patience in anger, forgiveness in insult, steadiness in sorrow, humility in success." Kumar replied, "And now to live it—this is my last wish. Remember, restraint is not merely to be learnt; it is the art of living. It is meaningful only when the world around you also changes because of it." Saying this, Kumar sat in meditation and entered samadhi. Legacy: Malav recorded the teachings on restraint and composed a scripture—Sanyam Sutra. Thousands of students later read it. The fire that had reached Chandrak from Buddha now spread worldwide through Malav and his disciples. Teaching: Restraint is the power that lifts a person from within. It is not just a virtue but the foundation of life. This story repeatedly reminds us that one who conquers himself is the true victor, and this victory begins with silence, patience, and forgiveness. After Kumar’s passing his teachings spread like a banyan tree across the region. Malav was now head guru of the Sanyam Sutra ashram. He did not want the flame Kumar had lit to go out. He not only preached restraint but emphasized living it in every person’s life. Thousands now came to his talks, yet challenges also grew. New problems arose—ego of wealth, political cunning, religious divisions. Malav knew these could be met not with swords but with restraint, yet this test was harder. A new challenge: A new sect had begun near the city. Its leader, Agnivesh, attracted youth by influence and harsh rhetoric. He claimed, "Mercy, forgiveness, restraint are for the weak. To move ahead in the world one needs power, competition, victory at any cost." Gradually his followers increased. They mocked restraint centers; in places they even burned restraint books. When Malav heard, his disciples were furious. "Gurudev, shall we still remain silent? They have insulted our gurus." Malav took a deep breath and said, "This is the test of our age. Restraint is meaningful only when faced with lack of restraint; else if we descend to their language, what difference remains?" Meeting Agnivesh: Malav decided to meet Agnivesh himself. All were surprised, yet they knew that when Kumar had kept silence against insult, the angry Chandrak had become Sanyam Baba; perhaps the same miracle would repeat. Meeting Agnivesh, Malav smiled and said, "I respect your power. You have leadership and energy, but have you ever turned that energy inward?" Agnivesh laughed. "Malav, your restraint is childish. This world runs on strength, not on compassion." Malav softly replied, "The day you need to be most powerful, that day you will need restraint the most." Agnivesh dismissed it, but the matter did not end. Agnivesh’s test: Some months later some of Agnivesh’s followers set fire to a village that opposed him. One follower, Krishna, and his mother were burnt. Agnivesh was shattered. Filled with anger he came to Kumar’s samadhi. A silent gathering was underway. All bowed to him. Malav came forward and said, "Now tell us, Agnivesh." Malav asked, "Has power given you peace?" Agnivesh wept. "Gurudev, forgive me. I did not know my fire would one day burn my own courtyard." Malav said, "This is the value of restraint. One who extinguishes his own flames does not need to set fires outside." That day Agnivesh called all his followers, entered the restraint center, and became a disciple. After this revolutionary event in society Malav’s message spread far and wide. Restraint was no longer a philosophical topic but a necessity of life. The number of restraint centers multiplied. Culture of dialogue, forgiveness, and service grew among people. A time came when anger, delusion, and violence had been replaced by peaceful councils, family unity, and social cooperation. Malav had grown old, yet his face, his smile, his restraint remained the same. Final discourse: One day he called all disciples—youth from many states, doctors, teachers, soldiers, farmers, housewives. Malav said, "Today I wish to give you the final lesson of the Sanyam Sutra. Three things will be the threads of your life. First, when your mind says speak, then keep silence. Second, when your heart says run, then stop. Third, when your ego says win, then embrace someone. This is restraint, this is life." The disciples fell silent. A youth asked, "Gurudev, how shall we keep you alive?" Malav smiled: whenever you smile in anger, remain humble in insult, and keep patience in difficulty, I will live within you. The immortal flame of restraint: Malav took samadhi at the same place where Chandrak rested. That land became Sanyam Van. Every year thousands come there to meditate, read the Sanyam Sutra, and better their lives. Times changed, ages changed, yet the lamp Buddha lit, carried first by Chandrak, then Kumar, then Malav, kept burning through the ages. Final lesson: Restraint is not merely self-restraint but the foundation of social restraint. It is the power that can keep silence in noise, awaken love in hate, and spread harmony in discord. One who keeps restraint truly wins. Friends, restraint is no ordinary word; it is life’s deepest practice. This story shows how an angry, egoistic man named Chandrak was transformed by Gautam Buddha’s compassion and touch of restraint. He not only changed himself but touched countless lives. Restraint means not merely stopping anger but recognizing every feeling within, understanding it, and converting it into peace. When someone insults us, shouting is easy, but answering with silence is true courage. When life is hard, giving up is easy, but staying patient is real penance. The journey of Malav shows change occurs when we look within. If people like Agnivesh, once symbols of ego and violence, can change through restraint, why not you and I? Whatever the time, if you have restraint, you can cross the greatest challenges with a smile. Remember: when words are bitter, keep silence; when insult comes, forgive; when the path is hard, do not stop but become steadier. This is restraint, this is Buddha’s message, this is the sign of being truly human. If you found this story inspiring, share it, light the lamp of restraint within yourself, and spread the light of peace in others’ lives. Thank you—keep restraint, for it is life’s greatest victory.
Friends, it is a matter of a long time ago, a young man lived in a city who was always troubled. All the time, various kinds of problems were going on in his life. He would try to solve his problems in every way. But every time he only got failure. Due to which he had become very upset. He was tired of his life. One day someone told him about a Buddhist monk. He told him that the Buddhist monk solves everyone's problems. You must meet him once. Hearing this, the young man decided that he would definitely meet that Buddhist monk. The very next day he set out to meet that Buddhist monk and after a long journey of about two days, he reached the ashram of that Buddhist monk.
Reaching there, he bowed to the Buddhist monk and then started saying to him, "O Gurudev, I have heard that you solve everyone's problems. I also have a problem. All kinds of troubles keep going on in my life. I am not able to solve them even if I want to. I tried many ways, tried many remedies, even after that, I don't know why my whole life has been stuck in these troubles. The more I try to get out of here, the more I get stuck in it. I don't see any way out. O Gurudev, please solve my problem. Show me a path by which I can solve all my problems. My life should be filled with happiness and I should not have any worries, no troubles."
The Buddhist monk listened to all the young man's words carefully and then he says to the young man, "Bhante, have you heard about bliss? The same bliss in which there is neither happiness nor sorrow. This is a state, after reaching which neither any kind of worry remains nor any kind of trouble, our life becomes blissful and we are able to live our life happily."
On this, the young man asks the Buddhist Mahatma, "O Gurudev, but how can I attain bliss?"
On that, the Buddhist monk says to the young man, "Bhante, for this you have to meditate, because meditation is the path through which you can attain bliss."
On this, the young man says to the Buddhist monk, "But O Gurudev, I do not want to meditate. Is there any other way by which all kinds of sorrows, all kinds of worries, all kinds of troubles from my life will end forever?"
On this, the Buddhist monk says to the young man, "Bhante, I will try to explain to you. If you listen to my words carefully, try to understand them, then you will surely understand how you can attain bliss in your life."
Further, the Buddhist monk says to the young man, "Close your eyes and just think what is there in your life today that was also in your life before and this same thing will be in your future life as well. We are human beings and the age of us human beings keeps on increasing continuously and with that, the desires and needs of us human beings also keep on increasing continuously. It does not matter whether that person is rich or poor or comes from the middle class, but that thing has spread a kind of restlessness in all our lives. It has snatched our life from us and what is that?"
Hearing this from the Guru, the young man fell into thought, what is that thing that has disturbed the peace of my life. Then the Buddhist monk, answering this question of the young man, says, "It is our desires. Whether we are young or old, whether we are rich or poor, but it is our desires that always keep troubling us and this is the one problem of all of us that keeps us suffering like this throughout our lives, keeps troubling us. We want to get rid of our troubles, but we are not able to get rid of our troubles even if we want to and during this time, many times it also seems to us that we have solved our problem, but as soon as we realize this, we come to know that another problem has come before us, due to which we were as happy as we were, once again we become as troubled as we were before. No matter how successful you are, no matter how rich you are, no matter how much wealth you have, but it does not have any effect on it. Whether you are a leader, an actor, an officer or a person of a high class, everyone is struggling with different kinds of problems. No matter what the circumstances are, everyone is troubled and if you look at your life carefully, you will find that we are not living our life but we are living the troubles."
After hearing all these things from the mouth of the Buddhist monk, the young man says to the Buddhist monk, "But O Maharaj, why are we all so troubled? What is the reason for this and is there no solution for it?"
In response to this, the Buddhist monk says to the young man, "Bhante, we are not all troubled because we have a very big problem in front of us. But we are troubled by this because many kinds of thoughts are going on in our mind. Problems have come in our life but they are not the cause of our trouble. The cause of our trouble is the thoughts of our mind and we have left the thoughts of our mind open in such a way that they keep affecting our life wherever they want, however they want. We have no control over those thoughts. That is why you must have seen that whether you want it or not, whether you think or not, but different kinds of thoughts keep running in your mind. If you have paid attention to yourself, then you must know that no matter what the state is, whether you are sad, happy or angry, all the time different kinds of thoughts are running in your mind and due to the running of these thoughts, our mind always tries to keep us busy and that is why we are not able to find a solution to our problems. We remain lost in those thoughts and due to these thoughts, we do not get a solution to any problem easily. Whether that problem is small or big and you must have also felt this at some point in your life that when the waves of thoughts are rising in your mind, you are completely immersed in your thoughts, in such a state when someone calls you, even then you are not able to hear that voice and in such a state when you are not able to hear his voice even after being called from outside, then how will you hear the inner voice? When you walk, we must hear the sound of your footsteps, but for that there should be complete silence around. On the other hand, if you are walking in a crowded area, then in such a situation you will only hear the noise of the surroundings of that crowded area. Not the sound of your footsteps, but when you go to a place where there is no one around, no kind of noise, there is complete silence all around, then you can easily hear the sound of your footsteps and in the same way our mind also works. That is, the thoughts of our mind, the noise of the thoughts of our mind is so much that if someone calls us, we cannot hear it. Whatever thoughts are in your inner mind, they want to talk to you, they want to put their words in front of you, but you can never hear them. In the outside world, that is, when any kind of thoughts arise in your brain, then through those thoughts you can do a lot in this outside world. You can even make a new invention. But when it comes to our inner mind, then these thoughts are nothing but like a stone in our path. Have you ever tried to see your thoughts? Have you tried to understand them? They are like a river and when there is a flood in the river, it carries you away and when you get carried away in your thoughts, then how will you reach the solution of your problem."
Further, the Buddhist monk, explaining to the young man, says, "What we are living in this world is not life but troubles, but we humans forget that life is truth and trouble is only a myth, but we only believe in troubles. We don't believe in life at all and when we have already believed in a myth, then how can we live our life? How can we improve our life? How can we eliminate trouble from our life forever? When you always live a life of lies, keep believing in it, then you will never be able to reach the truth. You will never be able to live your life because we have to take the help of our thoughts to experience anything and until your thoughts are controlled, you will never be able to enjoy your real life."
On this, the young man says to the monk, "So O Gurudev, what should I do now? How can I live my real life? How can I get rid of this myth-filled life full of troubles?"
Then the Buddhist monk says to the young man, "Bhante, close your eyes and experience what I am telling you." The young man obeyed the Buddhist monk. He did as he was told. Then the Buddhist monk says to the young man, "Suppose whatever you have today, whatever your relationships, whatever wealth, position, prestige, this respect you have, whatever your responsibilities are, whatever your troubles are, whatever your desires, wishes, lusts are, all have been snatched from you and now you have nothing left. Now you have only yourself and nothing else. Try to feel this in the depth of your inner mind, experience it. Make your brain realize this fact, think that whatever you had, whatever responsibilities, troubles, your relationship, wealth, home, even your own existence, everything has been snatched from you. You have nothing now. How are you feeling now?"
In response, the young man says to the Buddhist monk, "O Gurudev, it feels as if I am feeling very light. I have no worries, no troubles. I have nothing that would cause me pain, suffering. Now I am feeling very good. I am feeling very calm. I am feeling very blissful."
Further, the Buddhist monk says to the young man, "Now put all your attention on your breath, feel your breath. It is possible that during this time you may also hear the sounds of things around you, but do not pay attention to them, do not react to those sounds in any way, just keep all your attention on your breath and feel it, how those breaths are going in and how they are coming out." The young man obeyed the Buddhist monk and did the same.
After some time, the Buddhist monk once again said to the young man, "Now open your eyes and without reacting to any thought, pay attention to the things around you. Look at them carefully, you will surely see something new in all of them." The young man obeyed the Buddhist monk and did the same. For a while, everything seemed very good to him, everything seemed very new, but after some time he became sad again. He remembered his responsibilities, his troubles.
Then the Buddhist monk says to the young man, "The experience you have just had, you have to practice this experience every day. Whenever you go out, look at this world as if it has just been created. Assume that it is like your dreams where everything is a lie and only you are true and whatever happens in this world is because of your existence because it is your dream. Therefore, wherever you go, look at it very carefully, that path, those streets, but remember that when you are looking at them, do not react in any way to the thoughts arising in your mind at that time. It is possible that your mind may tell you that I have seen this many times, in such a situation you will have to stop your old thoughts from coming forward, that is, you will have to focus your attention on the things around you, you will have to experience them, you will have to feel them and yes, remember one more thing, this is not an ordinary thing that you did once and you will learn to be happy for your whole life forever. You will have to try for this and don't be in a hurry for it. You will have to pay attention to the fact that you are the only one in this whole world, there is no need to pay attention to anyone else, just look at yourself, focus your attention on things and to do this, choose a place where you can experience these things peacefully. You can feel these things and when you practice this continuously, you will surely feel bliss. Life will start to feel completely new. All kinds of sorrows of the mind will seem to end forever. Waves of happiness and bliss will start running in the mind and everything will change, everything will start to feel good, but for this you will have to practice continuously. It is not that you practiced today and you left it tomorrow. If you do this, you will never be able to feel bliss and until you can feel bliss, until you can feel it, this sorrow, these troubles, these problems will never end from your life and you will never be able to solve these problems, but if you practice it continuously, then gradually your mind will start to concentrate, you will learn to control your mind and when that happens, you will not get entangled in any kind of problem but will be able to find its solution, in any situation, in any circumstance you will be able to feel bliss. Sorrows, troubles, problems will seem to end forever from your life and you will be able to spend your life happily by living in bliss every moment."
Saying this, the Buddhist monk became silent and the young man had understood what he had to do now. He only paid attention to the words of the Buddhist monk and gradually changes started to come in his life. Now he started to be happier than before, started to feel lighter than before, he started to like his life now.
Friends, I know that we all have different kinds of problems in our lives, troubles and we feel that our troubles are the biggest and there is nothing bigger than this, but you are forgetting that you are bigger than those troubles and you are the one who can find a solution to those troubles, but you cannot find this solution until your mind is calm and until you calm your mind, control it, you will never be able to get out of your troubles, so do not let the troubles dominate you, but dominate the troubles yourself and try to find their solution and to do this you will need meditation. It is not necessary that you sit somewhere and meditate, you can do it while working, while walking or anything that you are already doing, just put your mind in that work, focus your entire attention on that work, by doing this your mind will surely stop you, but with continuous practice you will gain control over your mind and gradually your mind will become your slave and then wherever you want, however you want, whenever you want, your mind will be completely focused and you will be fully capable of fighting any trouble, any problem.
Once upon a time, Buddha was sitting under a tree, surrounded by his disciples.
It was evening time.
Everyone looked calm and joyful.
However, one of the disciples, who had a worried expression on his face, asked him, "Master, when you are no longer with us, how can we navigate the darkness of this world and find our way to enlightenment?"
Buddha, with a gentle smile, listened to the question and then began to share a story, and the story goes like this.
Once, in a distant village, two travelers who were on a journey, stopped at a small inn to rest and regain their energy before continuing.
As evening approached, a lamp seller arrived at the inn, offering oil lamps for sale.
One traveler, realizing the need for a lamp, promptly bought one.
The other traveler, observing this thought, "Why should I spend money on a lamp? I can simply follow the first traveler and use his light to guide my path."
When the sun set and night fell, the first traveler lit his lamp and began his journey toward his destination.
The second traveler, relying on the first traveler's light, started following him closely behind.
There were many forests along the way.
As they walked through the forest, the first traveler eventually reached a crossroad and took the path leading to his own destination.
The second traveler, who needed to take a different route, stopped there.
But now, without a lamp of his own, he suddenly found himself in complete darkness.
Unable to continue, he was forced to stop there.
Now, he was stranded and unable to find his way forward.
Unfortunately, he had to spend the entire night on a tree in the forest, surrounded by darkness and fear.
After telling the story, Buddha paused and looked at his disciple.
Then he said, "This is why I always tell you, be a light unto yourself.
Do not depend on others to guide you through the darkness of life.
It is your own effort, your own wisdom, that will lead you to enlightenment.
Others may show you the way, but it is you who must walk the path."
If we look closely in our life, we will realize that success and enlightenment come from relying on our own efforts and wisdom, just as the second traveler got lost in the darkness because he depended on someone else's light.
We can also lose our way if we depend too much on others.
Buddha's lesson is clear.
While others can guide and inspire you, it is ultimately up to you to walk your own path and light your own way.
Whether you aspire to be a successful businessman, climb to the top of your organization, or achieve the highest rank in your studies, your success depends on your own actions.
Your mentors and well-wishers can show you the way, but only you can take the necessary steps to reach your goal.
When faced with difficulties, it is essential not to rely solely on others to solve your problems.
The only person who can truly change your life is you.
This principle applies to every area of life, whether spiritual or material.
Many people gather knowledge but fail to put it into practice.
Without action, knowledge is powerless.
So, take Buddha's words to heart.
Be a light unto yourself.
Light your own lamp and let it guide you on your journey.
Your destiny is in your hands, and the journey towards your aspirations is one that only you can walk.
Have you ever feel that I don't know how to do with my life? Yeah? Actually, you're not alone. Most people feel like that kind of feeling. And when we look around the most like society and the world normally expecting or forcing us to have great purpose, meaning of life. When we discuss with our friends, family and workplace, in the society, looks like everybody is forcing us, you need to find your own purpose. But most people not. So why is that? So, in our meditation traditional what we call "everything is impermanent". And "everything is interdependent", meaning cause and condition. Like for example, some scientists they find the greatest discovery. But this discovery is not there when they begin to look for those, right? So you just kind of like have many different ideas. And you try, do some experiment. Then you find something. Then you go forward. And at the same time life is up and down because of impermanent. What we call life is like wave of the ocean. But the most important thing is, we are more than what we believe. So actually you have what we call everybody has this basic innate goodness. So you have awareness, love and compassion, wisdom, skill potential capacity. So, the most important is be present be with you right now. And then follow the flow of life with use your own wisdom. Your own love, compassion, skills, try your best. But don't you tie on the result. So then maybe you can find the better meaning of life rather than forcing yourself that I need to find a single meaning and the perfect that is difficult. When you force something that thing disappears, right? So be here now be present and believe in yourself and try your best. But don't tie on the result.
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is no longer a distant sci-fi fantasy; it's a rapidly approaching reality that promises to reshape our world in profound ways. As AI systems continue to surpass human capabilities in an ever-growing number of domains, the urgency to understand and prepare for AGI's impact on our economy, society, and political systems has never been greater. This blog post delves into the multifaceted implications of AGI, drawing insights from leading experts on how we can navigate this transformative era.
The Economic Earthquake of AGI
The advent of AGI, defined as AI systems that surpass human intellectual capabilities across the board, is poised to trigger an economic earthquake. While AI's impact on productivity statistics and macroeconomic variables has been modest so far, experts anticipate a massive shift in the coming years. Businesses worldwide are investing heavily in AI, integrating it into their processes, and the biggest payoffs are yet to come. However, this unprecedented economic growth comes with a critical challenge: ensuring that the benefits of AGI are broadly distributed and do not exacerbate existing inequalities.
One of the most significant economic shifts will be in labor markets. AGI, by its very definition, will be capable of performing virtually any task a human worker can. This raises a fundamental question about the future of work and income distribution. If human workers become easily substitutable by increasingly cheaper AI technology, our traditional systems of income, largely derived from labor, will become obsolete. This necessitates a radical rethinking of our economic models. Concepts like Universal Basic Income (UBI) or Universal Basic Capital (UBC) are gaining traction as potential solutions to ensure that everyone can share in the immense wealth generated by AGI, preventing the immiseration of the masses.
The Regulatory Imperative: Expertise and Global Cooperation
The rapid evolution of AI technology, with planning horizons shrinking from years to mere months, underscores the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks. Currently, AI regulation is in its nascent stages, with much of the industry self-regulating. However, as AI systems become more powerful and capable of posing significant risks, the need for governmental expertise becomes paramount. Governments must acquire a deep understanding of frontier AI, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to regulatory debates and implement smart policies that mitigate risks without stifling progress.
Beyond national efforts, global cooperation is vital for effective AI governance. The current landscape is characterized by a
race among AI superpowers, each striving for faster progress. While current AI systems may not be inherently dangerous, as they become more advanced, it will be in the collective interest of all parties to establish common safety standards and ensure the technology does not get out of hand. Historical precedents, such as the governance of other dangerous technologies, suggest that a global framework will be essential to mitigate risks that could impact humanity as a whole.
Education in the Age of AI: Adapting to a New Reality
The accelerating pace of AI development also poses critical questions for education. While the exact timeline for AGI remains a subject of debate, one thing is clear: the ability to leverage AI systems as a force multiplier is becoming an indispensable skill. Education systems must adapt to teach students, employees, and leaders how to effectively utilize AI tools. This involves not just technical proficiency but also critical thinking, adaptability, and an understanding of AI's ethical implications. The focus should shift from rote memorization to fostering skills that complement AI capabilities, such as creativity, complex problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
Navigating the Social and Political Landscape
The potential for AI to destabilize political systems is a significant concern. If AGI leads to massive labor market disruption, resulting in widespread job losses and economic insecurity, it could fuel social unrest and political instability. Therefore, ensuring an equitable system of income distribution under AGI is not just an economic imperative but also a crucial measure for maintaining social cohesion and political stability. The goal is to create a society where everyone can benefit from the advancements in AI, rather than a system that immiserates a large segment of the population.
Furthermore, the concentration of power in the hands of a few dominant AI players presents a challenge to fair competition. While the AI market is currently characterized by fierce competition, there's a plausible concern that as AI models become more expensive to develop and train, only a handful of entities will be able to afford to stay in the game. This raises questions about how to govern these powerful few. One strategy is to ensure that governmental institutions possess the necessary expertise to understand and regulate AI companies, making informed decisions in the competition sphere. It's also crucial to prevent reckless competition that could lead companies to cut corners and create riskier systems in their pursuit of market dominance.
The Urgency of Now: Acquiring Expertise and Fostering Dialogue
The consensus among experts is that the time to acquire expertise in AI is now. Governments, businesses, and individuals must proactively engage with the evolving AI landscape. This means fostering a deep understanding of AI's capabilities, limitations, and potential societal impacts. It also involves promoting open dialogue among stakeholders – policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and the public – to collectively shape the future of AI in a responsible and beneficial manner.
The trajectory of AI development is undeniably upwards, with capabilities that were unimaginable just a year ago now becoming commonplace. This rapid progress underscores the urgency of addressing the economic, social, and political implications of AGI. While the exact timing of AGI's arrival remains uncertain, the writing is on the wall: it's a question of when, not if. The severity of the economic, social, and political implications demands proactive engagement and thoughtful preparation.
In conclusion, the journey towards AGI is not merely a technological one; it's a societal transformation that requires careful navigation. By prioritizing equitable distribution of benefits, fostering robust regulatory frameworks, adapting our educational systems, and promoting global cooperation, we can harness the immense potential of AGI to create a future that is prosperous and stable for all. The time for action is now, as we stand at the precipice of a new era, one where human intelligence and artificial intelligence converge to redefine the very fabric of our existence.
The speaker offers three options for engaging with meditation:
Practicing meditation together
Listening to the speaker's personal story of learning meditation
Learning how to meditate
Audience is encouraged to raise hands to choose the preferred activity, promoting engagement and light physical activity.
Personal Story of Learning Meditation
The speaker shares a childhood experience of panic attacks at age 7-8, leading to seeking solutions through meditation, influenced by his father, a meditation teacher. Initial hesitation was due to age, but eventually, his father agreed to teach him.
The first meditation practice was breathing meditation, which he found boring but beneficial for panic relief. His experience involved on-and-off meditation, with panic fluctuating like stock market trends.
He describes a pivotal moment where he welcomed his panic instead of fighting it, inspired by his father's advice. This shift made meditation more effective, transforming panic into a supportive teacher.
Later, at age 13, he joined a three-year retreat in India, which initially boosted his motivation but was challenged by laziness and panic, which became friends over time. Recognizing panic as a natural part of awareness helped him deepen his practice.
He emphasizes that panic and laziness are natural, and the key is to accept and make friends with them, understanding that awareness is always present, space unaffected by weather or clouds.
Understanding Awareness
Awareness is described as the fundamental, unchanging space behind thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and feelings. It is always present, pure, and free, similar to space unaffected by clouds or weather.
Everyone has awareness, whether they realize it or not. Recognizing and maintaining awareness is the core of meditation practice.
Awareness is like space; it cannot be changed by external conditions, good or bad. The challenge is recognizing this awareness amidst daily life and distractions.
Common Questions and Discussions on Awareness
Participants discuss various aspects of awareness:
Knowing awareness vs. not knowing it
Awareness of awareness and awareness of unawareness
Wanting to be constantly aware and present ("being here")
Awareness as a space where thoughts, feelings, and sensations occur
Difficulty in maintaining awareness during strong emotions or pain
Some share experiences of awareness shifting or splitting during trauma, highlighting dissociation and the importance of staying with pain and suffering without avoidance.
Maintaining Non-Judgmental Awareness
The key to effective meditation is awareness without judgment. This means accepting whatever arises—thoughts, feelings, sensations—without labeling or resisting them.
Practicing awareness of panic, anger, worry, or pain involves welcoming these experiences rather than fighting them, recognizing that awareness is always present even during intense emotions.
Recognizing awareness as a space that contains all phenomena helps dissolve obstacles and supports liberation and inner peace.
The Secret of Recognizing Awareness
The speaker reveals a "big secret": although everyone has awareness, most are unaware of it. The challenge is not the absence of awareness but the lack of recognition of it.
Maintaining recognition of awareness leads to mental freedom, calmness, and qualities like compassion, clarity, and joy. It is like continuously opening a window to the space of awareness, allowing insights and inner qualities to manifest.
Practical Meditation Techniques
Step-by-step Practice
Raise your hand and become aware of the sensation in it (cool, warm, no sensation).
Notice pain or discomfort and simply be aware of it without judgment.
Relax the body progressively, maintaining awareness of sensations from head to feet.
Use objects like tactile sensations, sounds, or visual cues to anchor awareness.
Practice awareness of sensations in different parts of the body, including forehead, head, face, neck, shoulders, back, chest, arms, and legs.
Allow everything—pleasant, unpleasant, tightness, openness—to be in awareness without resistance.
The emphasis is on being yourself, free from expectations of "doing it right," and recognizing that awareness is always there, beyond mistakes or judgments.
Dealing with Difficult Emotions and Overwhelm
When emotions like anger or panic become overwhelming, the speaker suggests:
Return focus to bodily sensations, which serve as anchors.
Use techniques like "watching" sensations or shifting attention to sounds.
Take breaks, do physical exercises, or rest if needed.
Recognize energy movements—heat, vibrations, pressure—as signs of transformation, not problems.
Understanding energy movement helps in accepting and working with intense feelings, transforming them into growth opportunities.
Attaching and Detaching
To work with attachment:
Observe sensations related to attachment (people, objects, ideas).
Use awareness to see how perceptions create attachment.
Gradually expand awareness to see the bigger picture, reducing fixation.
This process helps loosen attachment and fosters liberation naturally.
Handling Sleepiness During Meditation
If falling asleep occurs frequently:
Accept sleepiness as part of meditation, especially at night.
Maintain awareness of the feeling of sleepiness itself.
If awareness persists, sleep can turn into a form of meditation.
This practice benefits the subconscious and unconscious mind.
Teaching Meditation to Children
To introduce meditation to children:
Make it playful, fun, and rewarding rather than a strict activity.
Use simple objects or sounds (like bells) to signal meditation times.
Start with short sessions, gradually increasing duration.
Encourage awareness of sensations, objects, or feelings in a lighthearted way.
Advice for Chronic Illness and Healing
For those with health issues:
Adjust motivation—view illness as an opportunity for awareness and healing.
Use awareness to scan the body and support healing processes.
Recite healing mantras or sutras as part of practice.
Conclusion and Gratitude
The speaker expresses gratitude to volunteers and participants, sharing upcoming book projects related to the Bardo (post-death state) and personal stories of retreat experiences, including near-death episodes and insights gained.
Q&A session follows, addressing practical issues like working with strong emotions, attachment, sleepiness, and teaching meditation to children.
Key Takeaways
Awareness is always present; recognizing it is the core of meditation.
Acceptance and welcoming of all experiences—thoughts, feelings, sensations—are essential.
Meditation is not about achieving a special state but about recognizing and maintaining awareness.
Techniques include body sensations, sounds, visual objects, and mindful observation.
Dealing with strong emotions involves patience, shifting focus, and energy awareness.
Consistency and gentle practice help develop habits and deepen understanding.
