buddha story | The Lost Jewel
The Lost Jewel
Once upon a time, in the kingdom of Magadha, there lived a wealthy merchant named Sarthak. He was known for his vast riches, but his heart was always restless. Despite having everything—gold, land, and servants—he felt an emptiness he could not understand. He feared losing his wealth and spent sleepless nights worrying about thieves, dishonest traders, and misfortune.
One day, news spread that Lord Buddha had arrived in a nearby village. People rushed to listen to his teachings, speaking of how his words brought peace and wisdom. Sarthak, skeptical but desperate for inner peace, decided to meet him.
As he walked into the gathering, he saw Buddha sitting under a Bodhi tree, radiating calmness. The air around him felt different, as if all worries melted away in his presence. When it was Sarthak’s turn, he bowed and said, “O Enlightened One, I have everything, yet I am constantly afraid of losing it. How can I be free from this fear?”
Buddha smiled and picked up a small, round stone from the ground. Holding it up, he said, “Imagine this is a precious jewel. You found it and kept it close to your heart, fearing it would be stolen. Every moment, you worry someone might take it from you. Is this not similar to your wealth?”
Sarthak nodded. “Yes, this is exactly my suffering.”
Buddha then gently tossed the stone into a nearby river. “Now, the stone is gone. Tell me, are you still afraid of losing it?”
Sarthak was taken aback. “How can I fear losing what I no longer possess?”
Buddha’s eyes twinkled. “Exactly. The fear of loss only exists because of attachment. When you let go of the attachment, fear disappears. You must understand, true wealth is not what you hold in your hands, but what fills your heart.”
Sarthak fell silent. He realized his entire life had been spent clinging to material things, believing they defined his happiness. But in that moment, he understood—freedom came not from possession, but from detachment.
From that day forward, Sarthak continued his trade, but without fear. He shared his wealth, helped the poor, and found a joy greater than gold—the peace of a heart unburdened.
Moral of the Story:
Fear arises from attachment. The more we cling to things, the more we suffer. True peace comes when we learn to let go and live in the present moment, understanding that nothing is truly ours to keep forever.
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