There lived an old saint named Haridas in a small village. People would come to him from far and wide with their problems and the saint would show them the way of life in simple words. One day a rich businessman came to him. He looked very worried and dissatisfied. The businessman said, “Gurudev, I have wealth, a big house, a family, everything, yet there is no peace in my mind. I am worried about something or the other all the time. Please tell me some solution.”
Saint Haridas smiled and said, “First you do one thing for me. Fill water in this bowl kept in front and bring it.” The businessman picked up the bowl and filled it with water from a nearby well. The saint looked at the bowl and said, “Now fill some more water in it.” The businessman said, “Gurudev, this bowl is already completely full, now no more water can come in it.” The saint said in a calm voice, “This is the state of your mind. You have filled your mind so much with desires, worries and greed that there is no room left for peace in it.”
The businessman became silent. The saint further said, “Unless you empty this bowl of your mind, it cannot be filled with peace. You will have to give up your unnecessary desires and learn to be content with what you have.” The businessman politely asked, “Gurudev, how is this possible?” The saint replied, “Take out some time for yourself every day.
Be grateful for your accomplishments and learn to let go of the things that weigh you down from within. Gradually your mind will start becoming lighter and peace will automatically make its place in it.” The businessman bowed at the feet of the saint and paid obeisance. After that day he started making small changes in his life. With time his worries started reducing and he became more content and calm than before. Lesson – As long as the mind remains filled with desires and worries, there will be no room for peace in it. Contentment is the basis of true happiness.
