One day, a young monk walked slowly behind his master, his head heavy with thoughts. After some time, he finally spoke:
“Master, why does suffering always follow me? No matter where I go, no matter how much I try, pain and worry never leave my side.”
The old master stopped, smiled softly, and pointed at a clay pot nearby. Inside it was a small plant.
“Do you see this plant, child?” the master asked.
“Yes, Master,” the monk replied.
“This plant grows because someone waters it every day. Without water, without care, it would wither away. Now tell me, who waters your suffering?”
The monk thought for a moment and then said, “I… I think it is my own mind.”
The master nodded. “Yes. Every time you hold on to the past, you give it water. Every time you worry about the future, you give it sunlight. Every time you repeat your pain in your head, you give it soil to grow stronger roots. That is why suffering walks with you—it is the plant you yourself keep alive.”
The monk’s eyes filled with tears. “Then, Master, how do I stop watering it?”
The master placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered:
“Plant another seed. Water peace, kindness, and gratitude. Feed your mind with compassion instead of fear. Suffering will wither on its own, because nothing can survive without your attention.”
From that day, the monk began to change his thoughts—less watering of suffering, more watering of joy. And little by little, his life transformed.
Takeaway: What you water will grow. Stop feeding your suffering, and start feeding your peace.
