"The Boy and the Zen Master: The Journey of Life’s Lessons"

Have you ever wondered what your life would look like if you viewed it through the lens of a calm lake? Each age in our life is like a wave, reflecting different states: sometimes peaceful, sometimes turbulent, and sometimes strangely tranquil. But what’s special is that, no matter how many storms we face, the essence of the lake—and of life—remains unchanged. It’s only through the eyes of maturity, shaped by years of experience, that we begin to notice these changes. Let’s follow the boy and the monk by the still lake and explore life through the lens of different ages.

One quiet afternoon, as the last rays of sunlight gently touched the surface of the lake, the boy approached the monk, his eyes full of curiosity.

“Master, why is the lake so still?” he asked, his wide eyes filled with wonder.

The monk looked at him and smiled gently. “Do you know, my child, life is just like this lake? Let me tell you a story.”

They both sat by the lake, and the monk began softly:

“When we are young, especially at your age, life is like the lake at sunset—gentle, peaceful, and full of carefree innocence. We see the world through simple eyes, not worried about much. Day after day passes, everything remains calm, and we feel that life will always be this peaceful.”

“But the lake is still, Master?” the boy asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

The monk nodded, then gently pointed to the ripples caused by the passing breeze. “No, my child. There will come a time when the storms arrive. As you grow older, life will bring you challenges—decisions, worries, failures. The breeze will create waves on the lake’s surface. These waves are the difficulties you cannot avoid.”

The boy bowed his head, pondering. “How can I overcome these waves, Master?”

The monk looked at the boy with a kind gaze. “The Buddha taught: A mind that remains unchanged amidst the changing world is the key. If you can maintain inner peace, the storms will no longer disturb you. Challenges and setbacks will become lessons that make you stronger.”

The boy fell silent, as if reflecting on the monk’s words.

“When you reach old age, everything will change once more,” the monk continued. “By then, you will have experienced many ups and downs, many trials. No matter how big the waves, they will no longer cause fear. You will realize that the waves are not your enemy, but valuable lessons. Like this lake, no matter how strong the winds blow, it will maintain its inherent stillness.”

The boy looked up, eyes filled with admiration. “So, life will be peaceful then, Master?”

The monk smiled softly, his gaze gentle yet profound. “Everyone seeks peace, but life sometimes makes us forget that peace comes from within. The Buddha taught: When the mind is peaceful, everything is peaceful. And only when you understand this, will you truly understand the meaning of the lake—that it is not a place to escape the storms, but a place to harmonize with them.”

As the sun gradually set, casting a tranquil, deep light over the lake, the boy broke the silence: “Master, what will you teach me tomorrow?”

The monk looked at the boy with a mysterious smile. “Tomorrow, you ask? Life always brings new lessons, but the important thing is that you must discover and recognize them yourself first. Don’t forget, the biggest questions lead to the most meaningful lessons. When you are ready, I will be here.”

The two of them stood up and walked away from the lake, leaving the still water reflecting the final rays of the day. Above, the colors of orange and purple blended together like a painting, signaling the end of one day and the beginning of a new lesson tomorrow.

In the boy’s heart, the lesson about the lake was deeply etched—that life is an ever-changing journey, and every challenge holds meaning if we know how to perceive it. The boy thought to himself: “I will continue to seek the eternal lessons, and I will return to Master to understand them even better.”