Hello, dear listeners, and welcome back to another soul-stirring episode of Life Philosophy. I’m your host, and today we’re diving into a timeless tale—a story of seeking, struggle, and profound wisdom that resonates with anyone who’s ever wondered, “Why isn’t life working out for me?” So, grab a cozy spot, maybe a warm cup of tea, and let’s journey together into this beautiful narrative of a young boy and a wise Buddhist monk. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll feel a little lighter, a little wiser, and a whole lot more inspired.
Our story begins with a young boy, let’s call him Arjun, who’s weighed down by the heavy burden of disappointment. Life, to him, feels like a cruel game of chance where he’s always dealt the losing hand. He’s watched others around him—friends, neighbors, even strangers—seemingly glide through life, getting everything they desire. Success, happiness, wealth—it all comes to them effortlessly. Meanwhile, Arjun’s dreams remain just that: dreams. “Why is my luck so bad?” he wonders aloud, his heart aching with every unfulfilled wish. “Why do I keep failing while others thrive?”
Desperate for answers, Arjun seeks out a revered Buddhist monk, known in his village as Guruvar—a title of deep respect meaning ‘teacher of teachers.’ Picture this: a serene monastery nestled in the hills, the air thick with the scent of incense, and the soft hum of prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Arjun, with his head bowed and voice trembling, pours out his pain. “Guruvar,” he says, “I’ve never gotten what I wanted in life. Success slips through my fingers, and disappointment is my constant companion. Yet, I see others who have everything—whatever they wish for, they get. Why is this happening? Is there a way to fix my destiny and find the success I crave?”
The monk, a figure of calm and quiet strength, listens intently. His eyes, weathered by years of meditation and insight, hold a gentle compassion. After a long pause—because, you know, wise people always take their time—he speaks. “Arjun, the successful people you speak of… some may have been blessed by luck, yes. But most? They’ve earned their success. It’s not fate or chance that lifts them—it’s their habits, their perspective, their choices. Today, I’ll share with you a path to transform your life. Listen carefully, for this is not just advice; it’s a way of being.”
And so begins a conversation that changes Arjun’s world—and, I hope, will change ours too. The monk introduces a concept that feels both mystical and grounding: the idea of finding your ‘zero.’ “To find your zero,” he explains, “is to reach a state of mind where there is only love, health, happiness, and peace. No disease, no hatred, no worries—just pure, unadulterated calm. Imagine a life without war within yourself or with others. That’s your zero. And to get there, you must do what you love, ask yourself every day if you’re working sincerely toward your goals, if you’re surrounded by positivity, if you’re using your time wisely.”
I love this idea of ‘zero,’ don’t you? It’s not about having nothing—it’s about shedding everything that weighs us down. It’s like decluttering your soul. The monk goes on to emphasize the importance of community. “Surround yourself with people who dream big, Arjun,” he advises. “People who celebrate your wins, who inspire you to aim higher, who give you honest guidance. Their energy will fuel your own.” I can’t help but think of my own life here—how often have I been lifted by a friend’s encouragement or dragged down by someone’s negativity? It’s a reminder to choose our circle wisely.
Then comes a gem of wisdom that hits hard: the power of words. “Words, Arjun, are magic,” the monk says with a knowing smile. “Positive words, full of hope and enthusiasm, can change a life. But negative words? They can destroy one just as easily. Never speak ill of yourself, even in jest. Your mind listens, and it believes what you tell it.” This one made me pause when I first reflected on it. How often do we casually say, “Oh, I’m so bad at this,” or “I’ll never succeed”? We’re casting spells on ourselves without even realizing it.
The monk doesn’t stop there. He lays out five ways to dream creatively and achieve success: know who you are and where you’re going, set clear goals, give yourself deadlines, maintain an optimistic attitude, and stay utterly dedicated. “Success isn’t about luck or even education,” he tells Arjun. “It’s about determination. If your intention is firm, you’ll carve your own path.” There’s something so empowering about that, isn’t there? It’s not about waiting for the stars to align—it’s about aligning yourself with your purpose.
As the conversation deepens, the monk touches on leadership, responsibility, and the art of giving. He lists seven habits of a good leader—helping others exceed expectations, believing in yourself and your team, speaking truth, admitting mistakes, appreciating others, staying calm in challenges, and working with such passion that you become an example. “Your mind, Arjun, is your greatest treasure,” he adds. “Guard it like you would a precious jewel. Keep it clean of negativity, free from hatred, and surround yourself with those who think positively.”
One of my favorite parts of this teaching is the monk’s take on giving. “Learn the art of gifting,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “A gift isn’t about price—it’s about touching a heart. Spend time with someone, visit a sick friend, write a personal note. Make it unexpected, wrap it with care, and focus on emotional connection, not material value.” Isn’t that beautiful? I remember once surprising a friend with a simple handwritten letter on a tough day. The way their face lit up—it was worth more than any expensive trinket.
The emotional peak of this story comes when the monk addresses setbacks and criticism. “Challenges and naysayers are signs you’re moving forward,” he assures Arjun. “Don’t waste energy on revenge or bitterness. Show mercy to those who wrong you, see them as unwell, and let go. Keep giving your best, even if others take credit for your work. The right time will come, and your efforts will be rewarded.” This hits deep, doesn’t it? How many times have we felt wronged or unseen? Yet, the monk reminds us that true strength lies in rising above, in staying focused on our path.
Finally, the monk speaks of something almost magical: ‘miracle.’ Not the kind of miracle we imagine from fairy tales, but a personal quality, a charisma born from spiritual growth. “Know yourself through solitude and attention,” he advises. “Be humble, don’t flaunt wealth or power, dress simply, act with enthusiasm, take responsibility, and keep your promises. These habits awaken your inner miracle, making you unstoppable.” It’s a reminder that our greatest power lies within, waiting to be nurtured.
As the sun begins to set over the monastery, casting golden hues on the hills, the monk concludes with a gentle smile. “I hope, Arjun, that you now understand what it takes to succeed. It’s not about changing your destiny—it’s about changing yourself.” Arjun, his eyes wide with newfound clarity, bows deeply. “Thank you, Guruvar. I will carry your teachings in my heart.” And with that, he leaves, a spark of hope ignited within him.
So, dear listeners, what do we take from this? For me, it’s the realization that success isn’t a gift bestowed by luck—it’s a garden we cultivate with our habits, our thoughts, our relationships. It’s about finding our ‘zero,’ speaking life into ourselves and others, and walking our path with patience and purpose. Maybe, just maybe, our ‘bad luck’ isn’t bad at all—it’s a call to grow.
Before we part ways, I want to leave you with a question the monk might ask: Are you moving closer to your zero today? Take a moment to reflect. And if you feel like sharing your thoughts, I’d love to hear them. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep growing, and remember—you are the architect of your destiny. This is Life Philosophy, signing off with a heart full of gratitude. Namaste.