Today, the monk emphasized the significance of consistency in meditation and highlighted how having good friends can enhance one’s commitment to regular practice.
He mentioned that having supportive friends allows individuals to assist and encourage each other, fostering a shared commitment to meditation.
This concept reminded me of a story. Once upon a time, there was a proud lion, the king of the jungle, who preferred hunting alone. One day, during his attempt to catch a boar, he got trapped in quicksand. As the days passed, he grew exhausted, hungry, and near the end of his life. Spotting a small fox passing by, he mustered the strength to ask for help.
Initially frightened, the fox hesitated but soon realized the lion couldn’t harm him due to the quicksand entrapment. Cautiously, the fox inquired about the lion’s intentions after being rescued. The lion sincerely swore not to harm his savior and pleaded for assistance. The fox agreed, strategically placing some wood on the quicksand to help the lion climb out. Once on stable ground, the lion, grateful for the fox’s help, hunted for food and shared a meal with him. Eventually, the lion invited the fox to live in his territory.
Over time, the lion’s family became hostile towards the fox’s family, attempting to bully and chase them away. Uncomfortable with the situation, the fox approached the lion, explaining the mistreatment. The lion urged the fox to stay and promised to address the issue with his family. He shared the story of how the fox saved his life, and the lion’s family realized their mistake. From then on, the fox and the lion remained friends for seven generations.
The monk used this story to emphasize that if we are fortunate enough to have good friends who support us in times of need, we should not abandon them when they are no longer beneficial to us. True friends are rare, and if you find one, cherish and value that bond. Having good friends is a precious treasure that contributes to long-lasting happiness.
