Silent Strength : Controlling the Mind in the Jungle of Thoughts
Long ago, a donkey and a tiger got into a heated argument. The donkey insisted that the grass was blue, while the tiger adamantly believed it was green. Unable to settle their dispute, they decided to seek the lion’s judgment.
When they approached the lion, the donkey passionately pleaded, “Sir, isn’t it true that the grass is blue?” The lion was wise, and responded, “If you truly believe it to be so, then yes, the grass is blue.” The donkey, filled with joy, affirmed, “Yes, Sir, I firmly hold that the grass is blue. However, this tiger opposes me and disagrees. Please, punish him severely.”
Without delay, the lion sentenced the tiger to a month of silence. Accepting his punishment obediently, the tiger watched the donkey leave with a satisfied smile. Once the donkey was out of earshot, the tiger questioned the lion, “King, you also know that the grass is green. So why did you punish me?”
The lion replied, “The punishment has nothing to do with whether the grass is green or blue. It is because a brave and powerful creature like you should not waste time arguing with foolish donkeys. Never engage in meaningless discussions.”
No matter about the color of the grass, it’s important to stay focused on our tasks and not get caught up in pointless debates. Arguing with fools is a waste of time that can lead to conflicts and drain our energy.
The lion advises the tiger to redirect his energy towards more purposeful endeavors, rather than engaging in unproductive arguments. This story also teaches us to be discerning in our interactions. Not every disagreement is worth our attention or response. Just like the lion chose to swiftly end the dispute, we too should know when to disengage from unproductive conversations, in order to protect our time and mental well-being.
This story serves as an allegory for the importance of controlling one’s mind by avoiding unnecessary conflicts and debates. The tiger represents strength and wisdom, while the donkey symbolizes foolishness and ignorance. In the context of controlling the mind, the lion’s advice to the tiger reflects the idea that engaging in pointless arguments with those who lack understanding can distract us from more meaningful pursuits.
Similarly, in the journey of self-control and mindfulness, it’s crucial to avoid getting entangled in trivial disputes or debates that do not contribute positively to our growth or well-being. By staying focused on our goals and tasks, we can maintain mental clarity and conserve energy for endeavors that truly matter. People can benefit from redirecting their mental energy toward productive and constructive pursuits, ultimately leading to a more balanced and controlled mind.
The story of the lion, the tiger, and the donkey teaches us an important lesson about how we use our time and energy. It’s easy to get pulled into arguments or disagreements, especially when we feel we are right. However, not all arguments are worth our attention. Just like the tiger, we might be strong and wise, but even then, it’s better to walk away from silly debates.
Engaging in such arguments can take our focus away from more important things in life. The lion’s advice reminds us that keeping peace of mind and staying focused on what really matters is more valuable than proving others wrong. By avoiding pointless conflicts, we can spend our time on goals that help us grow and improve. In the end, it’s not about winning arguments; it’s about protecting our energy and using it for meaningful tasks.
By: Abhinav Thakur
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