When I Walk, I Walk

Finding peace in the present moment

- Megha Bajaj

Stories can teach in ways that only stories can. For days, I had held a question in my mind about how I could progress on the spiritual path. Last evening, finally, the answer came with the birth of this story. Through me, and for me, this story has become a milestone. A realization has become my realization. Perhaps, it can become yours too?

Years ago, when finding peace was still the most important quest for all, there lived a great Buddhist monk. High above the mountains iced by snow, and sprinkled by cherry sun rays, was his little monastery. People sought him from all over the world. The scaling heights, the brazen winds, the wild animals - nothing could stop them from flocking to the monk - for they knew he could pave the way to peace for them. However, after a few days, many got restless and left. The reason? The monk hardly spoke.

He just carried on in his usual fashion. For several, this was hard to deal with.

The great monk had a merry laughter and a twinkle in his eye. He seemed ancient and yet just like a child. He never invited anyone and he never refused anyone - and yet when someone did come, he made sure his home was their home. Many came, many went - but a few - a small group of eleven, stayed behind. The monk knew he had finally filtered the 'seekers' from the 'questioners'. This was the group who had left everything to find peace - and they wouldn't return knowing about peace, they would return knowing peace! The monk did all that he needed to in a day while the group followed around, hoping to get a cue as to how they too could be in constant blissful union with their lord.