In a small village of Sri Lanka, lived a young man named Aravinda. Aravinda had a heart as wide as the ocean but was shackled by social anxiety, a silent storm that raged within, unseen by the eyes of others. His fear of being judged, of speaking out, made him a prisoner in his own world.
Aravinda worked at a quaint tea shop in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, a place where tourists and locals alike mingled, sharing stories over cups of Ceylon tea. Yet, despite the warmth of the shop, Aravinda remained on the outskirts, his voice barely a whisper even in the most necessary conversations.
One day, a wise old man named Mr. Perera entered the shop. He noticed Aravinda’s struggle and decided to help him conquer his storm. Mr. Perera was known in the village for his zen-like presence and understanding heart.
“Aravinda,” Mr. Perera began one quiet morning, “I see the battle you fight within. Would you let me guide you through it?”
Eager for a change, Aravinda nodded.
Mr. Perera’s first lesson was simple yet profound: “Breathe, Aravinda. Breathe deeply whenever the sea of anxiety tries to drown you. The breath is your anchor.”
Each day, before the tea shop buzzed to life, Mr. Perera taught Aravinda to focus on his breathing. Deep inhales and exhales became his shield against the waves of anxiety.
Next, Mr. Perera encouraged Aravinda to take small steps. “Today, greet one customer,” he suggested. “Tomorrow, two.”
To Aravinda, these tasks felt as daunting as climbing Adam’s Peak, but he trusted Mr. Perera. With each greeting, his confidence slowly bloomed, like the lotus flowers in the village pond.
Mr. Perera also shared stories of his own struggles and victories over anxiety, making Aravinda feel less alone in his fight. “We all have our battles, Aravinda. Sharing them, though scary, can lighten our load.”
Encouraged, Aravinda began sharing bits of his story with trusted friends and even a few customers. Their supportive responses were like rays of sunshine piercing his cloudy days.
The final lesson from Mr. Perera was about embracing discomfort. “To conquer anxiety, you must be willing to face it head-on. Speak, even if your voice shakes. Act, even if your body trembles.”
Aravinda took this to heart. He volunteered to lead a tea tasting session at the shop. The night before, anxiety stormed furiously, threatening to sweep him away. But he stood firm, breathing deeply, remembering Mr. Perera’s words, and envisioning the faces of those he had opened up to.
The day of the tasting, Aravinda’s voice did shake, and his hands trembled as he poured the tea. But as he spoke about the origins of each blend, his passion for tea illuminated his words, and slowly, the anxiety ebbed away, leaving in its wake a sense of accomplishment and a glimmer of confidence.
Aravinda’s journey wasn’t an easy one. There were days when the anxiety seemed invincible, but with each small victory, he reclaimed a piece of himself. His story spread throughout Kandy, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of overcoming social anxiety.
In the end, Aravinda realized that the key to conquering his fears was not in avoiding them but in facing them with a steady breath, a willing heart, and the support of those around him. And in the cozy tea shop in Kandy, his voice found a new strength, echoing not just across the room, but through the lives of all those he touched.
Once upon a time, there was a young man named Ravi who lived in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. He was a talented software engineer who worked for a multinational company. He had a good salary, a nice apartment, and a lot of friends. He was also very handsome and charming, and he had no trouble attracting women.
However, Ravi was not happy. He was looking for true love, but he could not find it. He had dated many women, but none of them matched his expectations. He wanted someone who was smart, beautiful, kind, loyal, and faithful. He wanted someone who shared his interests and values. He wanted someone who would love him unconditionally.
One day, he met a woman named Priya who seemed to be everything he was looking for. She was a journalist who worked for a popular newspaper. She was intelligent, gorgeous, compassionate, honest, and devoted. She loved reading books, watching movies, and traveling to new places. She also had a keen interest in Buddhism and meditation.
Ravi fell in love with Priya at first sight. He asked her out on a date, and she agreed. They had a wonderful time together, and they felt a strong connection. Ravi was sure that Priya was the one for him. He decided to propose to her on their third date.
He bought a beautiful ring and booked a table at a fancy restaurant. He planned to surprise her with his proposal after dinner. He was nervous but excited. He hoped that Priya would say yes.
However, things did not go as he expected. When he arrived at the restaurant, he saw Priya sitting with another man. They were holding hands and laughing. Ravi felt a surge of anger and jealousy. He walked up to them and confronted them.
“Who is this?” he demanded.
“Ravi, this is Arjun. Arjun, this is Ravi.” Priya introduced them calmly.
“Arjun is my fiancé. We are getting married next month.”
Ravi was shocked and heartbroken. He could not believe what he heard.
“What? Fiancé? Married? But…but…we were dating! You said you liked me! You said you enjoyed spending time with me! How could you do this to me?” he shouted.
Priya looked at him with pity and sadness.
“Ravi, I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you. But you misunderstood me. We were not dating. We were just friends.”
“Friends? Friends don’t kiss and hug each other like we did! Friends don’t say sweet things to each other like we did! Friends don’t make plans for the future like we did! You lied to me! You cheated on me! You played with my feelings!” he accused.
Priya shook her head.
“No, Ravi, I didn’t lie or cheat or play with you. I was honest with you from the beginning. I told you that I had someone in my life. I told you that I was not looking for anything serious. I told you that I just wanted to have some fun with you.”
Ravi felt his face turn red.
“You never told me any of that! You never mentioned Arjun! You never said you were engaged! You never said you were not interested in me!”
Priya sighed.
“Yes, I did, Ravi. You just didn’t listen. You only heard what you wanted to hear. You only saw what you wanted to see.”
Ravi felt his eyes fill with tears.
“How could you do this to me? How could you break my heart? How could you reject me like this?”
Priya reached out to touch his arm.
“Ravi, please calm down. Don’t make a scene here. Let’s talk outside.”
Ravi pushed her hand away.
“Don’t touch me! Don’t talk to me! I don’t want to see your face ever again! You are a cruel and selfish woman! You don’t deserve my love!”
He threw the ring on the table and stormed out of the restaurant.
He ran to his car and drove away as fast as he could.
He cried all the way home.
He locked himself in his room and refused to talk to anyone.
He felt like his world had collapsed.
He felt like he had lost everything.
He felt like he had no reason to live.
He wished he could die.
The next day, he received a phone call from his friend Ananda.
Ananda was a Buddhist monk who lived in a monastery near Kurunegala, North Western Province, Sri Lanka. He had been Ravi’s childhood friend before he became a monk. They had kept in touch over the years and often exchanged messages and calls.
Ananda had heard about Ravi’s situation from another friend and he was worried about him.
He wanted to help him.
He wanted to teach him how to deal with rejections.
“Hello, Ravi. How are you?” Ananda asked.
Ravi did not answer. He just sobbed.
Ananda understood. He did not press him.
He just listened.
He listened to Ravi’s pain and sorrow.
He listened to Ravi’s anger and resentment.
He listened to Ravi’s despair and hopelessness.
He listened with compassion and patience.
He listened until Ravi had no more tears to shed.
Then he spoke.
“Ravi, I’m sorry for what happened to you. I know how much it hurts. I know how much you loved Priya. I know how much you wanted to marry her. But you have to accept the reality. She is not the one for you. She has chosen someone else. She has rejected you.”
Ravi felt a pang in his chest.
He hated hearing those words.
He hated accepting those facts.
He hated facing that truth.
But he knew that Ananda was right.
He knew that he had to let go of Priya.
He knew that he had to move on with his life.
But he did not know how.
He did not know how to heal his broken heart.
He did not know how to overcome his bitter feelings.
He did not know how to find happiness again.
He asked Ananda for help.
“Ananda, please help me. How can I deal with this rejection? How can I forget Priya? How can I be happy again?”
Ananda smiled gently.
“Ravi, I’m glad you asked me for help. I have some advice for you. It is based on the teachings of the Buddha, the enlightened one who showed the path to liberation from suffering. If you follow this advice, I’m sure you will be able to deal with this rejection and find happiness again.”
Ravi was curious. He wanted to hear Ananda’s advice. He wanted to learn from the Buddha’s teachings. He wanted to try the path to liberation.
He asked Ananda to tell him more.
“Ananda, please tell me more. What is the advice? What are the teachings? What is the path?”
Ananda nodded.
“Ravi, the advice is simple but profound. It is based on four noble truths and eightfold path. These are the core teachings of Buddhism that explain the nature of suffering and the way to end it.”
Ravi was intrigued. He wanted to know more about the four noble truths and eightfold path. He wanted to understand the nature of suffering and the way to end it.
He asked Ananda to explain them.
“Ananda, please explain them. What are the four noble truths? What are the eightfold path?”
Ananda explained.
“Ravi, the four noble truths are as follows:
The first noble truth is that there is suffering in life. Suffering is the dissatisfaction, pain, sorrow, and distress that we experience in various situations. Suffering is inevitable and universal. Everyone suffers in some way or another.
The second noble truth is that there is a cause of suffering. The cause of suffering is craving or attachment. Craving or attachment is the desire for things to be different from what they are. Craving or attachment is the source of our expectations, hopes, fears, and disappointments.
The third noble truth is that there is an end of suffering. The end of suffering is nirvana or enlightenment. Nirvana or enlightenment is the state of peace, joy, and freedom that arises when we let go of craving or attachment. Nirvana or enlightenment is the ultimate goal of Buddhism.
The fourth noble truth is that there is a path to the end of suffering. The path to the end of suffering is the eightfold path. The eightfold path is a set of guidelines for living a moral, ethical, and spiritual life. The eightfold path leads to nirvana or enlightenment.”
Ravi listened carefully. He found the four noble truths very logical and realistic. He realized that he was suffering because he was attached to Priya. He realized that he had to let go of his attachment to end his suffering.
He asked Ananda how to do that.
“Ananda, how can I let go of my attachment? How can I follow the eightfold path?”
Ananda answered.
“Ravi, you can let go of your attachment by practicing mindfulness and meditation. Mindfulness and meditation are techniques for training your mind to be aware, calm, and clear. Mindfulness and meditation help you to see things as they are, not as you want them to be.
You can follow the eightfold path by cultivating these eight factors:
Right view: Right view is having a correct understanding of reality based on the four noble truths and other teachings of the Buddha.
Right intention: Right intention is having a positive and wholesome motivation for your actions based on compassion, kindness, and wisdom.
Right speech: Right speech is speaking truthfully, kindly, and respectfully without lying, slandering, abusing, or gossiping.
Right action: Right action is acting morally, ethically, and peacefully without killing, stealing, harming, or exploiting others.
Right livelihood: Right livelihood is earning a living in a way that does not cause harm or suffering to yourself or others.
Right effort: Right effort is making an effort to prevent or overcome unwholesome states of mind such as greed, hatred, and delusion and to develop wholesome states of mind such as generosity, love, and wisdom.
Right mindfulness: Right mindfulness is being aware of your body, feelings, thoughts, and phenomena in the present moment without judgment or distraction.
Right concentration: Right concentration is developing a focused and stable mind through meditation.”
Ravi was impressed. He found the eightfold path very practical and beneficial. He realized that he had to practice these factors to live a better life.
He asked Ananda how to start.
“Ananda, how can I start practicing these factors? How can I learn mindfulness and meditation?”
Ananda suggested.
“Ravi, you can start practicing these factors by applying them in your daily life. You can learn mindfulness and meditation by reading books, watching videos, listening to podcasts, or joining courses on these topics.
But the best way to learn mindfulness and meditation is by visiting a monastery and learning from a teacher.
That’s why I’m inviting you to come with me to my monastery near Kurunegala.
There you will meet my teacher who is a very wise and compassionate monk.
He will teach you everything you need to know about mindfulness and meditation.
He will guide you on your journey to nirvana.”
Ravi was grateful. He thanked Ananda for his invitation. He accepted it.
Once upon a time, there was a boy named Jack who lived in a small village in India. He was very poor and had to work hard every day to help his family. He dreamed of becoming a doctor and helping people who were sick and suffering.
One day, he heard that a famous Buddhist monk was visiting the nearby town. He decided to go and see him, hoping to learn something from his wisdom. He borrowed some money from his friend and took a bus to the town.
He arrived at the temple where the monk was giving a talk. He joined the crowd of people who were listening attentively to the monk’s words. The monk spoke about the power of not giving up, and how it can lead to happiness and success in life.
He said, “My dear friends, life is full of challenges and difficulties. Sometimes we may feel hopeless and want to give up. But we should never lose faith in ourselves and our potential. We should always remember that we have a precious human life, which is a rare opportunity to practice the Dharma and attain enlightenment. We should use this life wisely and diligently, and not waste it on meaningless pursuits. We should always strive to overcome our obstacles and achieve our goals, no matter how hard they may seem. This is the power of not giving up.”
He continued, “The power of not giving up is not something that we can get from outside. It is something that we have to cultivate within ourselves. It is a quality of mind that is based on courage, confidence, patience, perseverance, and compassion. It is a quality that can be developed by anyone who has a sincere aspiration and a strong determination. It is a quality that can transform our lives and make us happy and successful.”
He then gave some practical tips on how to develop the power of not giving up. He said, “First, we have to set a clear and realistic goal for ourselves. We have to know what we want to achieve and why we want to achieve it. We have to make sure that our goal is in harmony with our values and principles, and that it benefits ourselves and others. Second, we have to make a plan on how to achieve our goal. We have to break down our goal into smaller steps and tasks, and assign a time frame for each of them. We have to monitor our progress and adjust our plan if necessary. Third, we have to take action on our plan. We have to work hard and smart, and not be lazy or procrastinate. We have to face our challenges with courage and optimism, and not be afraid of failure or criticism. We have to learn from our mistakes and improve ourselves constantly. Fourth, we have to seek support from others who can help us achieve our goal. We have to find mentors, teachers, friends, or family members who can guide us, advise us, encourage us, or inspire us. We have to listen to their feedback and appreciate their help. Fifth, we have to celebrate our achievements and reward ourselves for our efforts. We have to acknowledge our successes and be grateful for them. We have to enjoy the fruits of our labor and share them with others who supported us or who can benefit from them.”
The monk concluded his talk by saying, “My dear friends, these are some of the tips that I have learned from my own experience and from the teachings of the Buddha. I hope they will help you develop the power of not giving up in your own lives. Remember that nothing is impossible if you have faith in yourself and your potential. Remember that you are the master of your own destiny, and you can create your own happiness and success. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and you can always rely on the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha for guidance and support. Remember that you are a precious human being with a noble purpose in this world, and you can make a positive difference in yourself and others.”
The crowd applauded the monk’s talk enthusiastically. Jack was deeply moved by his words. He felt a surge of inspiration and motivation in his heart. He decided to follow the monk’s advice and pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.
He went back to his village and enrolled in a school that offered scholarships for poor students who wanted to study medicine. He studied hard every day, despite the hardships he faced at home and at school. He never gave up on his goal, even when he encountered failures or difficulties.
He also made friends with other students who shared his dream or who supported him in his journey. One of them was a girl named Maya, who came from another village nearby. She was also poor but had a bright mind and a kind heart. She wanted to become a nurse and help people who were sick and suffering.
Jack and Maya became close friends over time. They helped each other with their studies, their problems, their hopes, and their fears. They encouraged each other with their words, their actions, their smiles, and their hugs.
They also learned more about Buddhism from the monk who visited the town. They attended his talks whenever they could, and read his books and articles. They practiced meditation and mindfulness, and followed the five precepts of morality. They developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Dharma, and applied it to their lives.
They also developed a deeper love and respect for each other. They realized that they were more than friends, they were soulmates. They decided to get married after they finished their studies.
They graduated from their school with honors and received scholarships to study further in a prestigious university in the city. They moved to the city and continued their education and training. They also continued their practice and service. They joined a Buddhist community that was active in social work and charity. They volunteered in hospitals, clinics, schools, orphanages, and other places where they could help people who were sick, poor, or needy.
They became successful doctors and nurses, and fulfilled their dream of helping people who were sick and suffering. They also became happy and peaceful individuals, and fulfilled their dream of attaining enlightenment.
They never forgot the power of not giving up, and how it changed their lives for the better. They never forgot the monk who taught them this power, and how he inspired them to follow their dreams. They never forgot the Buddha who showed them this power, and how he guided them to the ultimate happiness.
They lived happily ever after, until they passed away peacefully in each other’s arms.
Once upon a time, there was a young man named Ravi who lived in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He had a good job as a software engineer, but he felt lonely and unhappy. He had no friends or family to share his life with, and he spent most of his time working or browsing the internet. He often wondered what the meaning of his existence was, and if there was anyone who cared about him.
One day, he decided to visit a Buddhist temple near his home. He had heard that Buddhism offered a way to overcome suffering and find peace. He thought that maybe he could learn something from the monks who lived there. He entered the temple and saw a serene-looking monk sitting in front of a statue of Buddha. He approached him and bowed respectfully.
“Hello, sir. I am Ravi. I came here to seek your guidance. I am feeling very lonely and unhappy in my life. Can you help me?” he asked.
The monk smiled and nodded. “Welcome, Ravi. I am glad you came here. Loneliness is a common problem in this world, but it can be overcome with the right attitude and practice. Do you know what causes loneliness?”
Ravi shook his head. “No, sir. I don’t know.”
The monk explained, “Loneliness is caused by the illusion of separation. We think that we are separate from others, from nature, from the universe, and from ourselves. We think that we need someone or something to make us happy and complete. But this is not true. We are all connected by the same life force that flows through everything. We are all part of the same reality that is beyond words and concepts. We are all one.”
Ravi was puzzled by the monk’s words. He asked, “How can we be one? I don’t see any connection between me and others. I feel like an outsider, like I don’t belong anywhere.”
The monk said, “That is because you are looking at the surface of things, not at their essence. You are identifying yourself with your body, your mind, your emotions, your thoughts, your opinions, your preferences, your likes and dislikes. These are all temporary and changing aspects of yourself that do not define who you really are. They are like waves on the ocean that rise and fall, but they are not the ocean itself.”
“Then who am I really?” Ravi asked.
The monk said, “You are the ocean itself. You are the awareness that witnesses everything that happens in your life. You are the pure consciousness that is beyond form and name. You are the Buddha nature that is within everyone and everything.”
Ravi was amazed by the monk’s answer. He asked, “How can I realize this? How can I experience this oneness?”
The monk said, “You can realize this by practicing meditation. Meditation is a way of calming your mind and observing your thoughts without getting attached to them or judging them. Meditation helps you to detach yourself from your ego and connect with your true self. Meditation also helps you to develop compassion and kindness towards yourself and others.”
“Can you teach me how to meditate?” Ravi asked eagerly.
The monk agreed and taught Ravi how to sit comfortably, how to breathe deeply, how to focus on his breath, how to let go of his thoughts, and how to be mindful of his sensations and feelings.
Ravi followed the monk’s instructions and began to meditate. At first, he found it difficult to concentrate and quiet his mind. He was distracted by many thoughts and emotions that arose in his mind. He felt restless and bored.
But he did not give up. He continued to meditate every day for half an hour in the morning and evening under the guidance of the monk.
Gradually, he noticed some changes in himself.
He felt more relaxed and peaceful.
He felt more aware and alert.
He felt more connected and compassionate.
He felt less lonely and unhappy.
He realized that he was not alone in this world.
He realized that he had many things to be grateful for in his life.
He realized that he had a purpose in his life.
He realized that he was one with everything.
He realized that he was happy.
He thanked the monk for his help and wisdom.
The monk smiled and said, “You are welcome, Ravi. You have done well. You have overcome loneliness by finding yourself. You have found happiness by finding oneness.”
Ravi bowed to the monk and left the temple with a smile on his face.
He walked back to his home with a new sense of joy and confidence.
He greeted everyone he met on his way with kindness and respect.
He called his parents and told them how much he loved them.
He joined a volunteer group and helped others in need.
He made new friends and shared his experiences with them.
Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Maya who lived in a city in India. She was a successful and ambitious lawyer, but she had one problem: she always compared herself with others. She compared her looks, her skills, her achievements, and her status with those of her colleagues, friends, and rivals. She felt either insecure or arrogant, depending on the situation. She was never content with herself, and she always felt stressed and unhappy.
One day, she decided to seek the advice of her mentor, Mr. Kumar, who was one of the senior partners of the law firm. She approached him respectfully and said, “Sir, I have a question for you. How can I stop comparing myself with others? I always feel either inferior or superior to them, and I cannot find peace in my mind.”
Mr. Kumar smiled and said, “Maya, you have asked a very important question. Comparing yourself with others is a source of much suffering and confusion. It prevents you from seeing yourself and others as they really are, and it hinders your personal and professional growth. I have learned a way to overcome this habit from an ancient wisdom tradition. Do you want to learn it?”
Maya nodded eagerly and said, “Yes, sir, please teach me.”
Mr. Kumar said, “The way to stop comparing yourself with others is to practice the four positive attitudes: kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. These are the qualities that I have cultivated in myself and taught you to develop as well. They are the antidotes to insecurity, arrogance, jealousy, and resentment. They are the sources of happiness, harmony, and wisdom. They are the foundations of success.”
Maya listened attentively and asked, “How can I practice these four positive attitudes?”
Mr. Kumar said, “You can practice them by using these four affirmations as your daily mantras:
I am happy and free from suffering.
All beings are happy and free from suffering.
I celebrate the happiness and success of others.
I accept myself and others as they are, without attachment or aversion.
You can repeat these affirmations silently in your mind, while focusing on your breath. You can start by directing them towards yourself, then towards someone you love, then towards someone you are neutral towards, then towards someone you dislike, and finally towards all beings in the world. You can do this for as long as you wish, or until your mind becomes calm and clear.”
Maya thanked Mr. Kumar for his guidance and said, “I will try to practice this meditation every day.”
Mr. Kumar said, “Very good, Maya. I wish you all the best in your practice. Remember that the only person you need to compare yourself with is yourself yesterday. If you have improved in any way today, then you have succeeded. If not, then you have an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and try again tomorrow. Do not worry about what others think of you or what they do. Focus on your own path and your own goal: the excellence in your work.”
Maya bowed to Mr. Kumar and left him with a sense of gratitude and inspiration.
She followed his advice and practiced the four positive attitudes every day. Gradually, she noticed a change in her attitude and behavior. She became more kind and compassionate towards herself and others. She became more joyful and appreciative of the good qualities and achievements of others. She became more balanced and peaceful in her mind, regardless of the changing circumstances.
She realized that she had stopped comparing herself with others, and that she had found a true happiness that did not depend on anything external.
Once upon a time, there was a young man named Tharindu who lived in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. He was a devout Buddhist who followed the teachings of the Buddha and practiced meditation regularly. He had a girlfriend named Nethmi, who was also a Buddhist and shared his interests and values. They had been dating for two years and were very happy together.
One day, Tharindu received a phone call from Nethmi, who told him that she wanted to break up with him. She said that she had met someone else, who was more compatible with her and made her feel more alive. She said that she was sorry, but she had to follow her heart. She thanked Tharindu for everything and hung up.
Tharindu was shocked and heartbroken by this sudden news. He felt betrayed, angry, and sad. He wondered what he had done wrong, and why Nethmi had left him for another man. He felt like his whole world had collapsed, and he didn’t know how to cope with his loss.
He tried to call Nethmi back, but she didn’t answer. He sent her messages, but she didn’t reply. He went to her house, but she wasn’t there. He asked her friends, but they didn’t know where she was. He felt like he had lost all contact with her, and he didn’t know if he would ever see her again.
He became depressed and isolated himself from his family and friends. He stopped going to work and school. He stopped meditating and praying. He stopped caring about anything. He spent his days in his room, crying and thinking about Nethmi. He blamed himself for the breakup, and wondered what he could have done differently. He wished that he could turn back time and make things right.
He started to have negative thoughts about himself, Nethmi, and life in general. He thought that he was worthless, that Nethmi was cruel, and that life was unfair. He thought that he would never find happiness or love again. He thought that he had no purpose or meaning in life. He thought that he would be better off dead.
He decided to end his life by taking an overdose of pills. He wrote a suicide note, saying goodbye to his family and friends, and apologizing for his actions. He swallowed the pills and lay down on his bed, waiting for death to come.
But death did not come.
Instead, he heard a knock on his door. It was his neighbor, Mr. Perera, who was an elderly man and a respected Buddhist monk. Mr. Perera had noticed that Tharindu had not been seen for a long time, and he was worried about him. He decided to check on him and see if he was alright.
He entered Tharindu’s room and saw him lying on his bed, pale and unconscious. He saw the empty pill bottle and the suicide note on the table. He realized what Tharindu had done, and he quickly called an ambulance.
He also called Tharindu’s parents, who rushed to the hospital where Tharindu was taken. They were shocked and saddened by their son’s attempt to kill himself. They blamed themselves for not noticing his depression and not helping him sooner.
They prayed for Tharindu’s recovery, and they thanked Mr. Perera for saving his life.
Tharindu survived the overdose, but he was still in a critical condition. He was put on a ventilator and given medication to stabilize his vital signs.
He remained unconscious for several days, during which his parents stayed by his side, hoping that he would wake up.
Meanwhile, Mr. Perera visited Tharindu every day at the hospital. He brought flowers, fruits, books, and CDs of Buddhist chants to cheer him up.
He also talked to him softly, even though he knew that Tharindu could not hear him.
He told him stories from the Buddha’s life, such as how the Buddha overcame suffering by following the Noble Eightfold Path¹, how the Buddha taught compassion by saving a wounded swan², how the Buddha showed wisdom by solving a dispute over a water source³, and how the Buddha inspired generosity by giving away his possessions⁴.
He also gave him practical tips on how to heal from a breakup, such as:
Accepting the reality of the situation and letting go of attachment.
Forgiving oneself and one’s ex-partner for any mistakes or hurtful words.
Focusing on one’s own well-being and happiness instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Seeking support from family, friends, or professionals who can offer comfort and guidance.
Engaging in positive activities that bring joy and fulfillment, such as hobbies, sports, volunteering, or learning new skills.
Practicing meditation and mindfulness to calm the mind and cultivate inner peace.
Developing gratitude and appreciation for the blessings and opportunities in life.
Cultivating loving-kindness and compassion for oneself and others, especially those who are suffering.
Finding meaning and purpose in life by following one’s passions and values.
Opening oneself to new possibilities and experiences, such as meeting new people, traveling to new places, or exploring new interests.
He told him that these tips were based on the Buddha’s teachings, and that they could help him overcome his pain and find happiness again.
He told him that he was not alone, and that he cared for him.
He told him that he loved him.
One day, Tharindu opened his eyes.
He saw Mr. Perera sitting next to his bed, smiling at him.
He felt a warm and gentle sensation in his chest.
He felt a faint but growing spark of hope in his heart.
He felt a faint but growing sense of gratitude in his mind.
He felt a faint but growing desire to live in his soul.
Once upon a time, there was a young man named Nimal who lived in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. He was a kind and honest person, but he felt lonely and unhappy. He longed for true love, but he did not know how to find it. He tried to date many girls, but none of them seemed to be the right one for him. He wondered if there was something wrong with him, or if he was destined to be alone.
One day, he decided to visit a famous Buddhist monk who lived in a nearby temple. He hoped that the monk could give him some advice on how to find true love. He walked for many hours until he reached the temple gate. He bowed and asked for permission to enter. The gatekeeper told him to wait until the monk was free.
After a while, the monk came out and greeted Nimal with a smile. He invited him to sit with him in the hall and asked him what he wanted. Nimal told him his problem and asked him for his guidance.
The monk listened patiently and then said, “My son, you are looking for true love in the wrong places. You are searching for something that is already within you. True love is not something that you can find outside of yourself, but something that you can cultivate inside of yourself. True love is not a feeling that you can get from someone else, but a state of being that you can share with someone else.”
Nimal was confused and asked, “How can I cultivate true love inside of myself? How can I share it with someone else?”
The monk smiled and said, “True love is not a matter of doing, but of being. True love is not a matter of giving, but of receiving. True love is not a matter of saying, but of listening. True love is not a matter of thinking, but of feeling. True love is not a matter of wanting, but of accepting. True love is not a matter of expecting, but of appreciating.”
Nimal was still confused and asked, “But how can I practice these things? How can I apply them in my life?”
The monk said, “There is no need to practice anything. There is only need to be aware of everything. There is no need to apply anything. There is only need to express everything. There is no need to look for true love. There is only need to recognize true love.”
Nimal asked, “How can I be aware of everything? How can I express everything? How can I recognize true love?”
The monk said, “By being mindful of the present moment. By being grateful for the present moment. By being compassionate in the present moment.”
Nimal asked, “What do you mean by being mindful, grateful and compassionate?”
The monk said, “Being mindful means being attentive to what is happening in the here and now, without judging or reacting to it. Being grateful means being thankful for what you have in the here and now, without comparing or complaining about it. Being compassionate means being kind to yourself and others in the here and now, without harming or hurting them.”
Nimal asked, “How can I be mindful, grateful and compassionate in every moment?”
The monk said, “By breathing deeply and calmly. By smiling gently and sincerely. By speaking softly and truthfully.”
Nimal asked, “Is that all?”
The monk said, “That is enough.”
Nimal thanked the monk for his wisdom and left the temple with a new perspective on life. He realized that true love was not something that he had to find, but something that he had to be. He decided to practice mindfulness, gratitude and compassion in every moment of his life.
As he did so, he noticed that his loneliness and unhappiness faded away. He felt more peaceful and joyful than ever before. He also noticed that people were more attracted to him than ever before. He met many girls who liked him for who he was, not for what he did or had.
He did not rush into any relationship, but waited for the right one to come along. He did not judge or reject anyone, but accepted and appreciated everyone.
One day, he met a girl named Priya who lived in Colombo. She was a beautiful and smart girl who shared his interest in Buddhism. They had a lot in common and felt a strong connection with each other.
They started dating and soon fell in love with each other. They were mindful of each other’s feelings and needs. They were grateful for each other’s presence and gifts. They were compassionate towards each other’s flaws and mistakes.
They did not cling or depend on each other, but supported and encouraged each other.
They did not argue or fight with each other, but communicated and compromised with each other.
They did not take or demand from each other, but gave and received from each other.
They did not say or think anything negative about each other, but praised and admired each other.
They did not want or expect anything from each other, but enjoyed and celebrated each other.
They found true love in each other, because they had found true love in themselves.
They followed the Buddha’s teachings and attained happiness and peace.
Once upon a time, there was a young man named Ravi who lived in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. He worked as a cashier at a supermarket and earned a modest salary. He had a dream of traveling the world and seeing different places and cultures. He wanted to save money for his trip, but he always found himself spending more than he earned. He bought things he didn’t need, ate out at expensive restaurants, and gambled on cricket matches. He never kept track of his expenses or made a budget. He was always in debt and had no savings.
One day, he met an old monk who was visiting the supermarket. The monk had a serene smile and a calm demeanor. He wore a simple robe and carried a wooden bowl. He approached Ravi and asked him for some food. Ravi was curious about the monk and gave him some bread and cheese. The monk thanked him and said, “You have a generous heart, my son. But you also have a restless mind. You are not happy with what you have, and you chase after things that do not bring you peace. You waste your money on things that do not last, and you neglect your true wealth, which is your health, your family, and your spirit.”
Ravi was surprised by the monk’s words and asked him, “How do you know all this about me? And how can I be happy and peaceful like you?”
The monk smiled and said, “I know because I was once like you. I used to be a rich merchant who had everything money could buy. But I was never satisfied and always wanted more. I spent my money on luxuries, pleasures, and vices. I neglected my health, my family, and my soul. I was unhappy and miserable. Then one day, I lost everything in a fire that destroyed my house and my business. I had nothing left but the clothes on my back. I realized how foolish I had been and how empty my life was. I decided to renounce the world and become a monk. I learned to live simply and mindfully, to be grateful for what I have, and to share what I can with others. I learned to manage my money wisely and to use it for good causes. I learned to be happy and peaceful with myself and with others.”
Ravi was amazed by the monk’s story and asked him, “How can I learn to live like you? How can I manage my money wisely and use it for good causes?”
The monk said, “It is not difficult, my son. You just need to follow some simple steps:
First, you need to keep track of your income and expenses. Write down how much you earn and how much you spend every month. Categorize your expenses into needs and wants. Needs are things that are essential for your survival and well-being, such as food, water, shelter, clothing, medicine, etc. Wants are things that are not necessary but make you happy or comfortable, such as entertainment, hobbies, gadgets, etc.
Second, you need to make a budget. A budget is a plan that helps you allocate your money according to your priorities and goals. It helps you control your spending and save for the future. A budget should include your income, your fixed expenses (such as rent, utilities, insurance, etc.), your variable expenses (such as food, transportation, clothing, etc.), your savings (such as emergency fund, retirement fund, travel fund, etc.), and your donations (such as charity, religious offerings, etc.). A budget should be realistic, flexible, and balanced.
Third, you need to follow the 50/30/20 rule. This is a simple guideline that helps you divide your income into three categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and donations. This means that half of your income should go towards covering your basic needs; one-third of your income should go towards satisfying your wants; and one-fifth of your income should go towards building your savings and supporting good causes.
Fourth, you need to pay yourself first. This means that before you spend any money on anything else, you should set aside a portion of your income for your savings and donations. This will help you achieve your financial goals faster and avoid spending more than you can afford.
Fifth, you need to pay off your debts as soon as possible. Debts are liabilities that drain your money and limit your freedom. They also incur interest charges that increase over time if you don’t pay them back promptly. You should try to avoid getting into debt in the first place by living within your means and using credit cards wisely. If you already have debts, you should try to pay them off as soon as possible by using the snowball method or the avalanche method.
Sixth, you need to invest your money wisely. Investing is putting your money to work for you by earning interest or dividends or by increasing in value over time. Investing can help you grow your wealth faster than saving alone. However, investing also involves risk and requires knowledge and discipline. You should only invest money that you can afford to lose and that you don’t need for a long time. You should also diversify your portfolio by investing in different types of assets, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, etc. You should also consult a financial advisor or do your own research before making any investment decisions.
Seventh, you need to be generous and compassionate. Money is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. Money can help you achieve your personal goals and dreams, but it can also help you make a positive difference in the world. You should use your money not only for your own benefit, but also for the benefit of others. You should share your money with those who are less fortunate than you, such as the poor, the sick, the needy, etc. You should also support causes that are important to you, such as education, health, environment, human rights, etc. You should also be kind and respectful to everyone you meet, regardless of their financial status. You should remember that money is not the only measure of a person’s worth, and that happiness and peace come from within, not from without.”
Ravi listened attentively to the monk’s advice and felt a surge of inspiration and motivation. He thanked the monk and said, “You have opened my eyes and my heart, sir. I will follow your steps and change my life for the better. I will manage my money wisely and use it for good causes. I will be happy and peaceful with myself and with others.”
The monk smiled and said, “I am glad to hear that, my son. I wish you all the best on your journey. Remember that money is a tool, not a master. Use it wisely and generously, and it will bring you joy and fulfillment. Abuse it or hoard it, and it will bring you sorrow and emptiness. The choice is yours.”
Ravi nodded and said goodbye to the monk. He went back to his work with a new perspective and a new purpose. He started to follow the monk’s steps and soon saw the results. He reduced his expenses, increased his savings, paid off his debts, invested his money, and donated to charity. He also improved his health, his relationships, and his spirituality. He felt happier and more peaceful than ever before.
He also saved enough money for his trip around the world. He bought a ticket and packed his bags. He was ready to embark on his adventure.
Chamari stood at the brink of a new beginning, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Dressed in a vibrant, traditional Sri Lankan outfit, she was a picture of readiness to embrace the unknown, to step into a future filled with endless possibilities. Before her lay an open doorway, beyond which a sunlit path stretched forward, inviting her to take the first step on a journey that promised growth, renewal, and the magic of fresh starts.
This moment was more than just a physical crossing from one phase of life to another; it was a symbolic leap of faith into a world of opportunities that awaited her. The vibrant flowers and lush greenery that surrounded her were not just elements of nature’s beauty but symbols of the life and vitality that lay in embracing change.
Chamari’s journey to this threshold was not without its challenges. There were times of doubt, moments when the fear of the unknown seemed overwhelming. But it was her unwavering spirit, her belief in the power of new beginnings, that had guided her here. With each step taken in courage, she had learned that every ending was an opportunity for a new start, a chance to redefine herself and her path.
As she stood there, a sense of determination and optimism washed over her. She knew the path ahead would not always be easy, that there would be obstacles and challenges to overcome. But Chamari also knew that within her lay the strength to face them, to grow through them, and to emerge stronger and more resilient.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped through the doorway, her eyes fixed on the horizon. With each step, she felt the weight of the past lifting, making way for a future she was ready to shape. This was her moment, her declaration to the universe that she was open to all the lessons and blessings that new beginnings bring.
The journey ahead was hers to chart, a canvas on which she would paint the story of her life with bold strokes of hope, resilience, and joy. Chamari’s story is a reminder to us all of the transformative power of embracing new beginnings, of the beauty that lies in the courage to let go of the familiar and step into the magic of the unknown.
Amila and Sanduni, a young Sri Lankan couple with a shared passion for adventure, embarked on a journey that would forever change their perspective on life. Their adventure led them to the ancient ruins of a temple, hidden within the lush landscapes of their homeland. Dressed in travel attire, with backpacks slung over their shoulders, they stepped into the world of exploration, their minds open to the lessons this experience would bring.
The ancient ruins, a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of their country, offered more than just a glimpse into the past. As Amila and Sanduni wandered through the remnants of once-majestic structures, their curiosity and wonder were ignited. Each stone and carving whispered stories of civilizations long gone, of people whose lives were intricately woven into the fabric of history.
This journey was not just about sightseeing; it was a profound exploration of the world and the benefits travel imparts on the mind. Amila and Sanduni found themselves engrossed in the beauty and complexity of different cultures, their perspectives broadening with each step they took. The experience enhanced their creativity, inspiring them to think in new ways, to see beyond the horizons of their everyday lives.
The ruins, surrounded by nature’s untouched beauty, became a classroom without walls, teaching Amila and Sanduni about resilience, adaptation, and the impermanence of human endeavors. The serenity of the remote location allowed them to connect deeply with each other and with the environment, fostering a sense of peace and mindfulness that often eludes us in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Travel, they realized, was more than just an escape from the mundane; it was a journey into the self and the world around. It challenged their assumptions, tested their limits, and ultimately, enriched their understanding of humanity. Through the eyes of travelers, Amila and Sanduni saw not just the differences that distinguish cultures but the shared human experiences that unite us all.
As they left the ancient ruins behind, Amila and Sanduni carried with them memories of a journey that transcended geographical boundaries. They returned home with stories to tell, lessons learned, and a renewed appreciation for the diversity and beauty of the world. Their travels had imprinted on their minds a lasting sense of wonder and curiosity, a testament to the transformative power of exploring the world.
