
The Calm River
By Vinicius Cesar

14 Sep, 2023

Once upon a time, Gautam Buddha was seated under a tree, his eyes closed in deep meditation. His calmness spread around like a tranquil aura, soothing the rustling leaves and the singing birds.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the woods, his footsteps echoing in the quiet afternoon. It was a young man, his face draped in distress and his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Arjun approached Buddha, bowed reverently, and explained his predicament, his voice choked with emotion. Buddha looked at him, his eyes filled with understanding and compassion.

Buddha started with a beautiful tale about a river, its waters reflecting the state of the human mind. As he spoke, his voice flowed like the smooth river he was describing.

Arjun listened attentively, absorbed in Buddha's wisdom. Each word made him realize how his emotions were disturbing his inner peace, like the tumultuous currents disturbing the calm river.

Buddha then explained that the river's turbulence wasn't a flaw but merely its nature. Similarly, human emotions are natural, but they must be guided wisely, not suppressed.

He compared impulsive reactions to a swimmer struggling against a strong current. It would only exhaust them and make their journey more arduous.

Arjun nodded, understanding the truth behind Buddha’s words. His eyes reflected the first signs of calm, like the placid surface of a tranquil river.

Buddha continued, comparing the calm, wise person to a seasoned sailor who uses the current's power to navigate skillfully. They work with the flow rather than against it.

The sailor, Buddha explained, allows the waves to lift him, uses the wind to guide him, and thus controls the very elements that could drown him.

Arjun was deeply moved by this metaphor. He could see himself as the sailor, the turbulent river as his tumultuous emotions, and the peaceful bank as the tranquility he sought.

Buddha concluded the story by saying, "Emotions, like the river, are intense and powerful. The key is not to conquer them, but to learn how to navigate their flow."

Buddha added, "If you harness your emotions wisely, they can propel you towards enlightenment, just as the river carries the sailor towards his destination."

Arjun thanked Buddha, his heart filled with gratitude. He realized his impulses were not his enemies but tools to be used wisely. His path to inner peace suddenly seemed clearer.

Soon after, Prince Arjun left, but the story of the calm river and the wise sailor remained. It was a profound lesson in learning to control emotions and not react impulsively.

And so, the tree under which Buddha sat became a symbol of wisdom and understanding, and the river's story flowed through generations, reminding them of the power of emotional intelligence.

Buddha continued spreading his teachings, and wherever he went, he brought with him stories and metaphors that sparked transformation, just like the story of the river did for Prince Arjun.

Never again did Arjun let his emotions dictate his actions impulsively. With every passing day, he grew calmer, becoming a true embodiment of the lessons he learned from Buddha.

He was no longer a slave to his emotions but a master of them. His relationships flourished. His kingdom prospered. His people were happy, for their prince was now a wise and just ruler.

The story of the calm river became a beacon of wisdom for many. It was a testament to the power of understanding emotions, controlling them, instead of being controlled by them.

Whenever Arjun encountered tumultuous emotions, he reminded himself of the river's story, using the wisdom to navigate through life's highs and lows with grace.

The story of the river became a guiding light for Prince Arjun, showing him the way in his darkest hours. It became a tool for self-reflection, a mantra for self-improvement.

And so, the story of the river flowed from one generation to the next, its profound wisdom enduring the passage of time, inspiring countless others like it had inspired Arjun.

The tale of Gautam Buddha and Prince Arjun, of the tranquil river and the wise sailor, echoes even today. It's a reminder of the power of emotional intelligence and mindfulness.

Across the sands of time, in the heart of India, the wisdom of Buddha continues to guide those seeking inner peace, reminding us of the importance of emotional control and enlightenment.

And so, whenever you find yourself in the turbulent currents of emotions, remember the story of the calm river and the wise sailor, and let the wisdom guide you to inner peace.