In the quietude of an ashram, a young man named Mang embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Mang, an ordinary monk who believed he was average in every way, struggled with the noise around him during meditation. The interruptions invited mockery from his peers, who claimed he lacked the ability to succeed in such practices. This criticism sparked a series of doubts within him, making him question his potential.
One day, Mang's master handed him a seemingly ordinary stone and gave him an unusual task. "Take this stone to the market," the master instructed. "When asked its price, simply show two fingers and say nothing. Return without selling it, regardless of the offers."
Curious yet obedient, Mang went to a vegetable vendor, who assessed the stone as worthless, offering two paise for it. Later, a woman raised the offer to ₹20. Each interaction left Mang puzzled as he silently moved forward with the stone.
The next day, the master sent Mang to a larger market. There, a sculptor recognized the stone’s potential and offered ₹200, then ₹2,000, for its ability to carve idols. At a jeweler's shop, the same stone’s value soared to ₹200,000 because of its hidden worth as a precious gem.
Upon returning, Mang shared his astonishment with the master, who revealed a profound truth: "The stone's value lies in the eye of the beholder. Like this stone, your worth is determined not by others but by your belief in yourself. Those who doubt you are often projecting their own insecurities."
This lesson ignited a shift in Mang's perspective. His doubts stemmed from his fixation on the enormity of his life’s goals and his perceived inadequacies. The master encouraged Mang to replace doubt with trust in his potential, emphasizing that self-belief grows with practice. "As you persevere," the master assured, "you’ll witness your value increase in the eyes of others."
Lessons in Overcoming Complaints
Mang’s story intertwines with another lesson the master imparted to a distressed boy who came seeking advice. The boy, burdened by complaints about his family, friends, and life, poured out his frustrations. Silently, the master placed a grain of rice in a bowl for each complaint. When the boy calmed down, the master pointed out the full bowl and said, "Your grievances are like these grains—they occupy space but hold no solution."
The master explained that life is inherently filled with problems. "Some challenges can be solved immediately, making you stronger. Others require patience, teaching you resilience. Stop complaining, as it diminishes your thoughts and words. Instead, focus on your actions and embrace difficulties as stepping stones for growth."
Transforming Perspective
Both Mang and the boy learned vital truths: self-worth is not determined by external validation, and life’s challenges are opportunities for growth. By shifting focus from complaints to actions, we can unlock our potential and navigate through life’s hurdles.
As the master wisely said, "You do not need to wait for problems to end to move forward. Trust in your journey, take control of your words and deeds, and you’ll find that every challenge is an invitation to discover your true worth."