Prashant

Peace of Mind ... A story from Buddha’s life

Once Buddha was walking from one town to another with his followers. They halted when they happened to pass by a lake. Buddha told one of his disciples, “I am thirsty. Please get me some water from that lake.”

The disciple walked up to the lake. When he reached it, he saw some people washing clothes in the water. Right then, a bullock cart started crossing through the lake. As a result, the water was muddy and turbid. The disciple thought, “How can I give this dirty water to Buddha !” So he came back and told Buddha, “The water is very muddy. It is unfit to drink.”

After some time, again Buddha asked the disciple to go to the lake for some water to drink. The disciple obediently went back to the lake. This time he found no disturbance -the lake was still and peaceful. The mud had settled down and the water above was absolutely clear. So he filled the pot and brought it to Buddha. Buddha looked at the water, and then at the disciple. He said, “See what you did to make the water clean - you just let it be! The mud settled down on its own and you got clear water. Your mind is also like that lake. When it is disturbed, just let it be. Give it some time. It will settle down on its own. You don’t have to put in any effort to calm it down. It will happen. It is effortless.”

Reflection
Buddha said, “It is effortless” meaning that *Peace of Mind* is not a strenuous job; it is a steadying process. If you attain peace and tranquility, you are Prashant.

When there is peace inside you, that peace permeates outside. It spreads and surrounds you like an aura, so that people around start feeling the same peaceful vibes.

Om Shanti !