buddha

Discover the profound teachings of Buddha in this captivating story that explores life's ultimate questions about happiness and fearlessness in the face of death. Join us as we dive deep into a narrative that promises to answer these eternal questions and offer insights into finding peace and contentment. Before we begin, don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more enlightening stories.

Have you ever wondered what true happiness in life is? Or how to live fearlessly in the face of death? Today, I am going to tell you a story that will answer these questions. Let’s start the story. Before you get lost in this tale, subscribe to this channel.

Once upon a time, a young man came to Buddha and asked, "Oh Buddha, will you answer a question for me?" Buddha, smiling, replied, "Ask whatever you wish." The young man said, "Oh Buddha, I am not very old, but I am very troubled and sad. I want to know why there is so much sorrow in my life already. Does this mean that my life will always be full of sorrow? Is there no way to escape this sadness?" Hearing this, Buddha said, "Where is your sorrow? I don’t see it." The young man replied, "Oh Buddha, my sorrow is inside me, within me, how can you see it?"

Buddha asked, "Can you see your sorrow?" The young man answered, "Yes, Buddha, I see my sorrows clearly." Then Buddha asked, "What is the root of sorrow?" As their discussion continued, a monk came running and whispered something in Buddha's ear. Buddha said, "Let me take you somewhere to show you the truth of life. Just listen quietly, and you will find answers to all your questions." The young man followed Buddha. After walking a bit, they entered a house where many people were gathered around a cot. An old man lay on the cot. Seeing Buddha, the people made way for him. Buddha sat by the old man, and the young man sat nearby.

The old man, lying on the cot, began to speak, "Oh Buddha, I don’t know how many breaths I have left. I could be called to God’s home at any time. Before I die, I want to ask you some questions. I know you have the answers, which is why I called you here." The old man continued, "In my final moments, I remember my childhood days. Those were the days without worries or grief. Thinking of them brings tears to my eyes. There was so much freedom, no desires, and whatever game I played, I was fully engrossed in it all day. But as I grew older, people pushed me into the race of life. My father often asked why I wasn’t like my brother in studies or why I lagged behind others. This made me restless.

People criticized me because I wasn’t good at games or studies. Tired of their taunts, I vowed to succeed like my brother. I worked day and night. It was difficult at first, and I faced much disappointment, but I didn’t give up. I built my business, and it gave me joy to achieve something. Those who taunted me now admired me. I married a wealthy man's daughter, and life seemed like heaven. We had two beautiful sons. I became eager to do more for my sons and earned more wealth. Soon, I became the richest man in town. Everything was going well, but tragedy struck. My wife passed away suddenly, leaving me in deep sorrow.

I stayed inside for days, and my sons consoled me, saying, 'Father, mother is no longer with us, but we are here for you always.' Gradually, I accepted living without my beloved wife, finding joy in my sons’ happiness. Then, I pondered the meaning of life, the depth of existence, and my purpose in this world. I heard that Buddha taught meditation to understand life, but I always thought I’d first rid my life of sorrows and troubles before fully immersing in meditation. This thought kept me from meditating, and as time passed, I aged and fell ill. Though I lacked nothing in life and my sons supported me well, looking back, I realized my childhood days were the best.

The old man asked Buddha, "I know my time is short, but is there a way to die in peace? Can I understand life’s true meaning before I go?" Buddha replied, "Childhood is dear to everyone because it is free from worries, desires, and attachments. As we grow, our desires increase, and we focus on the future or dwell on the past, forgetting to live in the present. A child, however, lives fully in the present. You spent your life pursuing success, your family, and future plans, thinking you would seek truth later. But the future never comes; it’s a continuous cycle of plans.

Now, as death approaches, you realize that none of your achievements can be taken with you. If you had understood this earlier, you would have sought truth and meditation sooner. Realize that death can come anytime, and in seeking something that will go with you, you find the path to a peaceful death. The old man, with folded hands, said, "I know I made mistakes and didn’t live life meaningfully. But I still seek the way to die fulfilled. Can I still glimpse the truth?"

Buddha consoled him, "You have learned a great truth, that life’s achievements are transient. This realization is a significant accomplishment. Empty your mind of questions and feel that you have learned all there is to know. When you do this, you will be ready to face death peacefully. Life’s possessions remain here; only those who empty their minds attain enlightenment and can reach Nirvana in future births. Understand that gaining or losing in this world holds no value."

The old man, understanding this deeply, didn’t ask any more questions and smiled as he passed away. Buddha then asked the young man, "Did you get your answers?" The young man replied, "Yes, Buddha, I realized that nothing in life is truly worth holding onto. Happiness and sorrow are fleeting. We must seek truth amidst life’s ups and downs. But I have one more question: How do I begin my journey of meditation?"

Buddha explained, "Meditation brings you to the present. Focus on your breath, which always exists in the present. Notice which nostril it flows from, and simply observe. Even while working or walking, pay attention to your breath. Your mind may wander, but bring it back to your breath. Eventually, you will find your thoughts fading, leaving a calm space. This awareness will guide you to a deeper meditation.

Start where you are, by observing your breath. With time, you will fully engage in every task, merging with the present. So, begin now, with your breath, and you will gradually understand meditation."

The young man thanked Buddha, promising to follow his teachings. The story ended with Buddha’s wisdom imparted to the young man, helping him find the path to peace and truth.

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We hope this story helped you find clarity and inspired you to seek the deeper truths of life. If you enjoyed this story, share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how it resonated with you. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more such stories. Until next time, take care and keep exploring the wisdom within.