A Buddhist Story

  

The Broken Bowl and the Monk 

In a quiet mountain monastery in ancient China lived a young monk named Wei Ming. He owned only one precious possession - a simple clay bowl given to him by his master. He cared for it deeply, washing it carefully each day, fearing the moment it might break.

One evening, while sweeping the courtyard, the bowl slipped from his hands and shattered on the stone floor.

Wei Ming fell to his knees in despair. “How careless I have been!” he cried. “This bowl was my only treasure.”

Hearing his sorrow, the old master approached and asked gently,

“Tell me, Wei Ming, when did your bowl break?”

“Just now, Master,” he replied.

The master smiled. “No, my student. Your bowl was already broken the moment it was made. It only waited for the right moment to reveal it.”

Seeing the confusion in Wei Ming’s eyes, the master continued:

“All things in this world - bowls, bodies, youth, and even sorrow - are subject to change. When you understand this, you no longer cling, and when you no longer cling, you are free.”

Wei Ming looked at the broken pieces once more and felt a calm arise in his heart. He bowed deeply and whispered,

“Thank you, Master, for teaching me the truth of impermanence.”

From that day on, he held everything lightly - and his mind became peaceful.

Moral: Nothing lasts forever. When we accept impermanence, suffering loosens its grip and wisdom is born.

 (#buddhism #fblifestyle)

Hope you enjoyed that story!

With Metta,

Da