Friends, there comes a time in our life when we face challenges so big that we seek solutions outside ourselves. We look for answers from others, hoping for a magic fix to our problems. But often, the real solution lies within us — in our mindset, courage, and inner strength.
This is the story of Suraj, a young man troubled by his problems who sought the wisdom of a Buddhist monk. What follows is a powerful lesson about courage, self-confidence, and how peace is not something given to us by others — it is something we must find inside.
The Test of Courage: Suraj’s Journey
Suraj came to the monk with a heavy heart, asking for help with his troubles. The monk told him to do something unusual — to borrow money from his father. Suraj obeyed, but when the monk asked him to return the money and tell his father he did not want to work just yet, Suraj was filled with shame and hesitation. What would his father think? Would he lose respect?
Despite his fears, Suraj took the difficult step and returned the money. His father smiled and said something important: “Before starting any work, it is necessary to gather all information — to understand if it’s the right thing to do. When you know this, you can invest your energy and resources wisely.”
This was Suraj’s first lesson — before acting, understand your purpose and prepare yourself. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it.
The Clay Statue and the Power of Self-Confidence
The monk then gave Suraj a simple clay statue, asking him to sell it for 100 gold coins in the market. Suraj was confused — who would pay so much for a plain statue?
He waited quietly, hoping someone would buy it. No one came. Then he tried shouting, but his voice was so weak he could barely hear himself. As evening came, Suraj panicked — would the monk abandon him without a solution?
Then something changed.
Suraj started to shout with confidence and told people about the statue’s magical powers — that it could remove all sorrows and protect the owner from problems. People were curious, skeptical, but intrigued.
The bidding began — offers of 200, 300, even 400 gold coins. Suraj realized that it wasn’t the statue’s value but his belief and how he communicated that created trust. His self-confidence grew, and with it, the ability to influence others.
Finally, Suraj refused to sell the statue, understanding that the real treasure was within himself — the courage to face his fears and speak boldly.
The monk said: “I have not solved your problem. You have solved it yourself. You had thousands of doubts and fears in your mind, but facing people and speaking openly made your shyness and fear vanish. That is true freedom.”
Learning to Avoid Negativity: The Wisdom of Buddha
Suraj’s story teaches us one important lesson: to overcome fear and self-doubt, we must believe in ourselves and face our challenges head-on.
But life is not only about overcoming fear. It’s also about dealing with negativity — criticism, insults, grudges — that others may throw at us.
Ananda, Buddha’s chief disciple, struggled with this. He felt hurt and angry when people insulted the Buddha or his teachings. He asked Buddha how to handle such negativity.
Buddha’s reply was profound:
“Adopt the power of silence.” Silence diffuses anger. If you don’t accept someone’s bad words, they remain with the speaker.
“Look with compassion.” People who hold grudges are unhappy inside. Understand their pain rather than react.
“Avoid reaction.” Reacting wastes your energy and disturbs your peace.
“Know yourself.” Understand your strengths and weaknesses. If criticism is true, correct yourself; if false, ignore it.
“Practice meditation and self-control.” Meditation strengthens the mind’s power over emotions.
“Don’t argue with fools.” Ego clashes don’t reveal truth.
“Focus on your goal.” Don’t get distracted by criticism.
“Defeat evil with good.” Respond to hatred with love and compassion.
“Forget in time.” Time heals wounds. People change.
“Consider life a play.” Everyone plays a role; don’t take negativity too seriously.
Ananda understood that peace depends on not letting others’ negativity disturb your mind. Only then can you move toward true knowledge and enlightenment.
The Real Source of Peace: Within Yourself
Friends, these teachings remind us that peace does not come from outside but from within. When we stop fearing judgment, when we develop confidence like Suraj, when we respond to negativity with silence and compassion like Buddha taught Ananda, we create a sanctuary of calm in our minds.
Your problems will not vanish overnight. The world will continue to challenge you. But the way you respond — with courage, self-awareness, patience, and compassion — will decide your peace.
So today, take a step towards your inner strength:
Face your fears openly.
Believe in your worth.
Let go of worries about what others think.
Practice silence and compassion when faced with criticism.
Focus on your goals and don’t waste energy on negativity.
