In this world, many people are pursuing something in their lives. Some people pursue wealth, some pursue status, and some people pursue a kind of spiritual tranquility. However, behind all these pursuits, it seems that they are drowned by the hustle and bustle. Everyone around them is looking for an invisible thing in a hurried pace, as if it is the most important goal in their lives. However, when they finally get what they want, they will find that the emptiness deep in their hearts is still not filled.
Once, I stayed in an ancient temple for a few days. The temple is located halfway up a mountain, surrounded by lush woods and winding streams. During the day, the sun shines through the branches, the air is fresh, and the birds sing. At night, the stars are dense, and the distant mountains are looming in the moonlight. It is so quiet here that you can almost hear your heartbeat. It was in such an environment that I began to reflect on what I have been looking for.
There was an old monk in the temple, with a kind face and a gentle voice. Every time I see him, I always slow down unconsciously. The old monk is not as sharp-tongued as those elders in the secular world. His words are always full of peace and wisdom. Once, I couldn’t help asking him: “Master, what is the purpose of human beings living in this world? Why are we always pursuing, but can never get inner peace?”
The old monk smiled slightly. He did not answer my question directly, but led me to the back mountain of the temple, pointed to the mountains in the distance and said: “Look, those mountains stand there day after day, unmoving and unshakable. And you see, this forest, when the spring breeze blows, the leaves fall, and the seasons change, but it never complains. What about you? You are always in a hurry, constantly pursuing something, but never stop to see how you feel in your heart.”
I stood there, looking at the mountain and the surrounding forest, and suddenly a surge of inexplicable emotion surged in my heart. Yes, why do I always rush to pursue those lofty goals in such a hurry, but never stop to think about what I really need? I have always thought that I should keep pursuing, pursuing success, pursuing social recognition, and pursuing the envy of others. But what can all this bring? Those flashy honors are nothing but passing clouds.
The old monk said again: “Look, this forest is not anxious about the coming of spring, nor is it sad about the departure of autumn. It knows that seasons come and go, and everything is the law of nature. It is the same for people living in this world. We always lose ourselves in pursuit of some so-called goals, forgetting that the essence of life is actually living in the present. Only by living in the present can we feel the reality of life and find our own tranquility.”
I listened to the old monk’s words, and my heart suddenly became clear. It turns out that what we pursue in our lives is not the success in the eyes of others, nor the flashy fame and fortune, but the inner tranquility and peace. Many people have been pursuing something all their lives, but have never stopped to think about what they really desire in their hearts. We seem to be troubled by the hustle and bustle of society and the complexity of interpersonal relationships, losing ourselves and forgetting our original wishes.
During these days in the ancient temple, I gradually learned to let go. Let go of those desires for vanity, let go of those unnecessary disputes, let go of those meaningless worries. Life does not need to be so complicated, and does not need so many desires to enrich it. Just like that mountain, it is quiet and firm, standing there quietly, not impatient, and can withstand the baptism of time.
Sometimes, I wonder if I have lost myself in the process of pursuit. People living in this world are often disturbed by the voices of the outside world. We are always too anxious, afraid that we have not met the expectations of others, afraid that we are not good enough, and afraid that our lives are meaningless. In fact, the meaning of life does not lie in the evaluation of the outside world, nor in the success in the eyes of others. The true meaning of life is often hidden in those simple and ordinary days, and in the dialogue with one’s own heart.
During the days in the temple, the old monk taught me a lot about how to cultivate oneself. Every meal and every light made me feel a different kind of tranquility. Perhaps this is what I have been looking for, not those unattainable dreams, but the simplest and most real feelings in daily life.
After returning to the city, I still lead a busy life. However, whenever I feel anxious and uneasy, I will think of those days in the temple and the teachings of the old monk. I began to learn to slow down, no longer bothered by the evaluation and pressure of the outside world, but try to feel every moment in life, to reconcile with myself, and to experience those seemingly ordinary happiness. Because I understand that only inner peace can allow us to find our true self in this complex world.
Perhaps, the meaning of life is not complicated. It does not need those prosperous labels, nor does it need the recognition of others. It just requires us to learn to let go, learn to be grateful, learn to reconcile with ourselves, and find peace and tranquility in every day. This tranquility is the most beautiful wealth in life.