When Life Feels Salty, Become the River
It’s Thursday Tales Time (43/2024)
In his book, "Dhyan Mera Uttahan" Sirshree recounts this story.
In the serene lands of Japan, there resided a deeply spiritual Jain monk by the name of Master Hoshi. Wisdom and calmness were inherent to his character. Because of their deep love and devotion, his disciples readily and completely obeyed all of his teachings and commands. Among his many disciples, there was a young man named Hiroshi who came to visit his master one day. He was overcome with sadness and disappointment. With a heavy heart, the man confessed to his master his significant upset and disappointment due to his failure, leaving no doubt as to how deeply affected he was. He said, despair has completely engulfed me. With careful attention, Master Hoshi heard everything before requesting that Hiroshi make his way to the river situated nearby.
As they reached the riverbank, the master performed a simple act, taking a handful of salt and mixing it into a glass of water. He then offered and gave the glass to Hiroshi so that Hiroshi could drink from it. Upon tasting the water, Hiroshi immediately spat it out because the water was incredibly salty. A smile touched Master Hoshi's lips as he repeated the action, taking another handful of salt and scattering it upon the river's surface, before finally saying, "Drink the water of the river now." Using his hands like a cup, Hiroshi collected some water and proceeded to drink it. The water was delightfully sweet and fresh. Master Hoshi questioned whether the river water tasted salty. He looked up and said, "No master." Master Hosi described the pain of life using the analogy of salt. The intensity of the pain does not lessen or increase; it remains constant. But how much we feel it depends on what we put it into. Try to see the bigger picture when you're sad. Don't be a glass, become a river. Forget the glass's sharp, salty tang; become a river, ever-changing, constantly sweet and fresh—a cool, murmuring flow.
This story imparts a crucial message about breaking free from despair, conveying the idea that despair and sorrow stem from our limited perspectives and narrow-mindedness. Focusing solely on our failures magnifies them, making mountains out of molehills and filling us with self-doubt. However, by broadening our perspectives and contemplating the situation from different angles, the intensity of our sorrow diminishes, and we find renewed motivation to progress and overcome challenges.
What lesson does this story teach us?
The lesson is clear: don’t let despair confine you—broaden your perspective and flow with life’s ever-changing current, finding strength and renewal along the way.
In the vast journey of life, our perspective shapes the way we see, understand, and respond to the world around us. A broader perspective allows us to rise above narrow viewpoints, opening doors to greater understanding, empathy, and possibilities. Life is full of challenges and intricacies. With a broader view, we can see the bigger picture, connect the dots, and make better decisions. A limited outlook often blinds us to potential solutions or growth paths. Thinking expansively enables us to identify opportunities we might have missed. Broadening our perspective reduces unnecessary stress. It helps us let go of trivial concerns, focusing instead on what truly matters. Growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones. A wider perspective encourages us to learn, adapt, and evolve. Cultivate a habit of stepping back, questioning assumptions, and viewing life from multiple angles. The broader your perspective, the richer and more fulfilling your journey becomes.
Many methods can help overcome despair, and SirShree says meditation is one of the most effective.
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