Valuable Lesson
Buddha is moving on the road and it is noon, it is very hot and he feels thirsty and he says his disciple Ananda, “You go back. We crossed a small stream just two, three miles back. You bring some water for me.” So Buddha rests under the tree.
Ananda goes to the stream. But it is difficult because just when he is reaching near it, a few bullock carts pass across the stream. The stream is very sollow and small. Because of the bullock carts are passing it, it has become dirty. All the dirt that was settled underneath has surfaced –old dry leaves and every types of dirt there. The water is not drinkable.
Ananda tried the same as you would try –he entered the stream and tried to settle things so that water can become clean again. He dirtied it more. What to do? He comes back and he said “the water is not drinkable, and I know a certain river ahead, I will go and fetch water from there.
But Buddha insisted; he said “you came back .I want the water from that stream” .when Buddha insist, what can Ananda do? Reluctantly, he went again. Suddenly he understands the point, because by the time he reached half of the dirt had settled again .with out anybody trying to settle it, it had settle on its own accord. He understands the point.
Then he sat under the tree and watched the stream flow because half the dirt was still there, a few dry leave were still on the surface. He waited. He waited and watched and he did nothing and soon the water was clear, the dead leaves had gone back to the bottom and the dirt had gone back to the bottom. He came running and dancing. He fell at Buddha’s feet and he said,” that’s what I have been doing my mind my whole life. Now I will just sit under a tree and let the stream of mind pass by, let it settle itself. Now I will not jump in the stream and try to make things …try to bring an order”. ]]
Posted by Jayadeva de Silva to be shared