The Bodhisatta: A Journey of Perseverance in the Desert

In a time long ago, the Bodhisatta was born as a wise and compassionate merchant, leading large caravans of oxcarts across vast and treacherous lands. One such journey took him through a scorching desert, where the harsh conditions demanded that travel be done only at night, guided by the stars, much like the sailors who navigate the vast oceans.

On the final night of their journey, with the end of the desert in sight, the Bodhisatta, in an effort to lighten the load and hasten their journey, ordered that the water and firewood be discarded. However, the pilot, exhausted from the long journey, fell into a deep slumber, and the oxen strayed off course. By morning, the caravan found itself back where it had started, with no water and no hope.

In despair, the Bodhisatta searched the barren land and discovered a patch of kusha grass. Knowing that such grass could only grow if there was water beneath, he ordered his men to dig. After digging thirty meters, they struck hard rock, and hope seemed lost. But the Bodhisatta, with a deep sense of determination, climbed down and placed his ear to the rock. To his relief, he heard the faint sound of running water beneath it.

A young servant boy, weary and on the verge of losing hope, was the only one who did not give up. The Bodhisatta called him forward and instructed him to break the rock open with a sledgehammer. He told the boy that without courage, they would all perish. Motivated by the Bodhisatta’s words, the boy struck the rock with all his might, and the water surged forth like a fountain, quenching their thirst and revitalizing the caravan. They used the spare tools to cook their rice, and by nightfall, they completed their journey, returning home safely with great profits.

Moral:

The Bodhisatta’s story teaches the value of perseverance and courage, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Just as the young boy broke through the rock to unleash life-giving water, so too must we face obstacles with determination and the belief that persistence will lead us to the answers we seek. It reminds us that even when the path appears impossible, through perseverance, wisdom, and courage, we can overcome adversity and find success.