Greetings to all,
I wish you all abundant energy, peace, and hearts full of love.
Today, I am very happy to sit and share with you all. As I have shared in other forums, my work is to heal the mind, teach good deeds (dhamma) and guide life skills to young people. For over 15 years, I have worked as a psychological counselor for youth, particularly those returning from abroad. I have met countless young people who have stumbled in life, resulting in psychological wounds.
When you face difficulties, I always strive to create environments and centers where you can live together, help one another, and find peace in your hearts, while also providing you with skills for life. Today, I would like to share with you some experiences to help you return and take care of yourself.
The Story of the Young Warrior and the Master’s Sacred Gifts
There was once a young man who was very passionate about martial arts. He had a deep desire to train to the highest level, so he could go into the world and help people by eliminating evil and malevolent forces. He spent many years of his youth on a mountain, training with a renowned master.
Alongside him was a younger, gentler disciple who was not as ambitious as his senior. Over the years, the young man finally decided to ask his master for permission to leave the mountain and use his skills to rid the world of evil.
At first, the master did not agree, cautioning him that he was not yet strong enough and might encounter more harm than good. However, the young man was determined and confident in himself, so the master reluctantly gave his consent. Before leaving, the master bestowed upon him two sacred gifts: a sword known as the “Demon-slaying Sword” and a mirror called the “Mirror of Awakening”. These gifts were meant to help him recognize the true nature of things, seeing clearly the difference between what was right and wrong.
With these powerful gifts, the young man descended into the world, quickly becoming known as a mighty warrior. With his martial arts skills and strong determination, he succeeded in eliminating many evil beings. Whenever he used the Mirror of Awakening, he revealed the true nature of people, such as two beautiful women who were, in fact, venomous serpents, or a seemingly kind governor who was secretly plotting evil deeds. He used the Demon-slaying Sword to vanquish these malicious beings.
Soon, the young warrior became famous across the land, admired and respected by all. However, over time, he began to feel exhausted. He no longer found joy in his victories, and instead, his heart was filled with anger and frustration. He realized that something was wrong inside himself. He decided to return to the peaceful mountain where he had trained, to visit his master and disciple, seeking solace away from the world’s conflicts.
Upon returning, the warrior found everything strangely unfamiliar. As he approached his master’s hermitage, he found that he could not open the gate, no matter how hard he tried. In his confusion, he attempted to use his martial skills to leap over the gate but failed. He was bewildered, unsure why he could not enter.
At that moment, his disciple passed by and simply tapped the gate, which opened effortlessly. The warrior, amazed, asked his disciple why the gate would not open for him but opened so easily for him. The disciple explained that the master had set up the gate with a charm to ward off evil, and only those with pure hearts could pass through.
Lessons from the Story: The Influence of the Environment and Self-Transformation
This story is not just about martial prowess or defeating evil but about the transformation that occurs within us and the impact of our environment. Even though the warrior had all the necessary tools for success—strong martial arts skills and sacred gifts—he was ultimately defeated by himself. This teaches us that no matter how well-equipped we are in life, if we do not take care of our inner world, we may fall prey to burnout and confusion.
The warrior’s return highlights an important truth: even the most capable individuals must learn to return to themselves, to reassess their actions, and to deal with the changes within. The environment shapes us in ways we cannot always foresee, and we must be mindful of how external factors influence our inner state.
Facing Negative Emotions
In life, we all encounter moments of inner turmoil. Especially during periods of personal growth, when inner conflicts emerge, we may easily be swept up in negative emotions such as anger, sadness, or fear.
One of the key lessons in this story is the importance of facing and befriending our emotions. When you practice meditation, you learn how to observe and accept negative emotions as they arise, without reacting to them. This practice, known as “observing and accepting” (Vipassana), allows you to maintain emotional control. Rather than suppressing or resisting these emotions, you simply acknowledge them and let them pass naturally.
The ability to face these emotions in everyday life is essential for mastering them. Instead of being overwhelmed, we learn to create space for these emotions, transforming them into a source of peace.
The Role of Technology and Modern Life
In today’s world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, if used excessively, it can lead to disconnection from our true selves and from others. As the monk discussed, relying too heavily on digital devices can foster unhealthy habits and emotional isolation.
To counteract this, we need to practice discipline in our use of technology. Instead of allowing ourselves to be absorbed by the digital world, we should create moments to reconnect with the real world—spending time with family, engaging in nature, and nurturing our inner peace.
Self-Care: Returning to Our True Home
A central theme in the monk’s teaching is the importance of self-love and self-care. When we face emotional struggles, it is crucial to recognize that no one can fully heal us but ourselves. True healing comes from within, and by cultivating self-compassion and acknowledging our wounds, we begin the process of recovery.
Returning to our “True Home” (Svastha), the place within ourselves where we find peace and acceptance, is essential for emotional healing. This is not about selfishness, but about creating a healthy environment within ourselves so that we can be fully present for others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, overcoming mental struggles and building inner peace is an ongoing journey. Through practices like meditation, mindfulness, and creating a nurturing environment, we can develop the emotional resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges. The teachings from the monk provide valuable insights into how we can cultivate lasting peace—not just within ourselves, but also in our relationships and the world around us.
Remember, true peace comes from within, and by continuously working on ourselves, we can build a life that is not only fulfilling but meaningful. By learning to master our inner world, we can contribute to the world around us in a way that is calm, compassionate, and impactful.
Lesson by Venerable Thích Minh Niệm