(4) How To Deal With Unwanted Thoughts

This too shall pass

We continue our series with a short story, that conveys yet another quick solution to work around difficult situations and unwanted thoughts, where we are stuck and unable to move ahead.

Ramesh was a wealthy businessman, who had also learned the fine art of living life. He would often share his wisdom with his two sons – Deepak and Sumesh.

As he grew old, he decided to divide his wealth equally among his two sons and hand it over to them. Some days later, Ramesh passed away. After performing the last rites, Sumesh and Deepak returned home and started cleaning their father’s bed. While they were cleaning the bed, they found a small wooden box under the mattress. To their surprise, they found two rings placed in it –one made of gold and the other of silver. The gold ring had a diamond fixed on it.

Sumesh told his younger brother, “This is our father’s last token. We cannot divide this diamond in two to share it. Let us do one thing; you keep one ring and I’ll keep the other.” When Deepak agreed, Sumesh kept the diamond-studded gold ring for himself and handed over the silver ring to Deepak. Deepak felt that this was not the moment to argue; so he accepted his brother’s verdict and took the silver ring.

Deepak kept wondering, “My father was wise. If he could divide his wealth into two, why did he keep two unequal rings to himself?”He was intrigued every time he looked at the silver ring. Numerous thoughts crossed his mind. He was sure that there must be some secret hidden in this ring.

One day, his fingers happened to press a tiny button on the ring, opening it. He found a tiny note inside the ring. He pulled it out, unfolded it and saw four words written on it. When he read the words, he felt that these words held the essence of how his wise father had led his life. The message on the note was: ‘This too shall pass.’

Deepak contemplated deeply on these words and soon realized their essence – Whenever any incident occurs, it does not remain forever; everything changes with time. Every situation that arises in life is bound to change.

This message was life transforming for Deepak. Every time he applied it, he could detach himself from the situation, be it good or bad. As soon as any unwanted thoughts occurred, he would tell himself, “This too shall pass.” By saying so with its understanding, the negative thoughts would stop and he would get on with his work. With this, his present state improved. His business flourished and he was earning more wealth.
On the other hand, Sumesh, did not have this mantra. His wealth was diminishing and his business was deteriorating day by day. One day, in despair, Sumesh went to meet Deepak and grumbled, “Your wealth and business are prospering. Dad has surely given you something that you have kept to yourself.”

“Brother, forgive me,” said Deepak smiling, “What you say is true. Dad gave me an invaluable mantra, that has helped me tide through challenges.”

Now Sumesh’s thoughts started racing – “Has dad given him a magic wand! What is it that Dad gave him? Is he trying to fool me?”

Deepak handed over the note of the message to Sumesh. Sumeshpicked it and read the words ‘This too shall pass’.He confirmed his doubts, “So he is trying to fool me. He is showing me some worthless piece of paper. Dad must have given him something more important that he is hiding.’

He threw away the paper and screamed, “You cheat…Dad must have given you something else.”Deepak tried to explain, but Sumesh was in no mood to listen. With an angry red face, he walked away cursing.

This is exactly what often happens with many of us. We come across many life transforming messages, but dismiss them before we can understand them. At times, they seem so simple that we discard them without pondering for a moment. But simplicity is the essence of life.

Remember this little mantra which may seem to be simple. But when applied with understanding proves to be life transforming just as in the case of Deepak in the above story. Whenever any incident occurs, be it good or bad, tell yourself, “This too shall pass.” As soon as you tell this to yourself, the negative stream of thoughts, the unwanted thoughts will come to an end. Through all the ups-and-downs of life, this mantra can keep you stable and help you lead a peaceful life.

Read Article no 1 – How To Deal With Unwanted Thoughts – Series (1)
Read Article no 2 – How To Deal With Unwanted Thoughts – Series (2)
Read Article no 3 – How To Deal With Unwanted Thoughts – Series (3)
Read Article no 5 – How To Deal With Unwanted Thoughts – Series (5)