Browse Free Spiritual Event Listings For: Nature And Animals

The Mischievous Monkey

lmvnp2 — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 23:25:16 +0000

At another time, The Bodhisattva came to the earth as a hermit. He lived in a leaf hut on a mountain and went every day to the village to seek alms.

A monkey would enter the hermit’s hut when he would be away and eat all the food and make all sorts of mischief. One day, the hermit went out as usual to seek alms, but did not return for many days.

The monkey came to the hermit’s hut every day but found nothing to eat. So he went to the village to look for the hermit.

The villagers had just performed puja and were about to offer the prasad to the hermit. “Let me also pretend to be holy and trick these villagers into giving me some food,” the monkey thought. He went up to the hermit and sat near him, joining his forelegs as if he were praying.

The villagers were pleased to see such devotion in a monkey and praised him highly. But the hermit recognized the mischievous monkey and told the villagers how the monkey troubled him every day. The angry villagers beat up the monkey and chased him away.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

What Is the Spiritual Moral / Meaning of “The Mischievous Monkey” Story?

Perched atop a mountain in a leaf hut, the hermit's chosen abode signifies the sacred simplicity found in solitude. In the sacred dance of existence, this humble dwelling becomes a symbol of the divine connection that emanates from a life stripped of material excess. The hermit's daily alms-seeking pilgrimage to the village serves as a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between the seeker and the world, a dance of humility and interconnectedness.

A mischievous monkey enters the hermit's leafy sanctuary during his absence, disrupting the sanctity of the dwelling. This playful intruder becomes a metaphor for the distractions and disturbances that often infiltrate the tranquility of our inner sanctum. Much like the monkey, our own lives are sometimes visited by desires, attachments, or disruptive thoughts that divert our attention from the spiritual path. The hermit's measured response to the monkey's antics becomes a spiritual lesson, urging us to confront and address these disturbances with wisdom, rather than succumbing to their influence.

As the hermit extends his sojourn seeking alms, the monkey, now bereft of the hermit's presence, experiences a void that prompts him to seek fulfillment in the village. This phase in the narrative echoes the soul's realization that external pursuits and worldly gratifications often leave us wanting. The monkey's journey into the village becomes a mirror for our own exploration beyond the realm of transient desires, encouraging us to transcend the ephemeral pleasures that fail to satiate the soul's hunger.

In a clever yet deceptive ploy, the monkey attempts to impersonate a holy figure during the villagers' puja. This act becomes a symbolic representation of the spiritual pitfall of superficiality and pretense. As we navigate our own spiritual journey, we may encounter the temptation to wear masks, projecting an image that veils our true essence. The monkey's deceptive guise serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to remain authentic and resist the allure of false appearances in our pursuit of enlightenment.

The villagers, enveloped in the sacred offerings of their devotional ceremony, initially fall under the spell of the monkey's feigned piety. This response sheds light on the human tendency to be captivated by external displays of spirituality, sometimes overlooking the essence beneath the surface. The monkey's antics unfold as a spiritual lesson, urging us to exercise discernment and look beyond the external trappings of spirituality, encouraging us to seek the authenticity that resides within the heart.

The hermit, attuned to the subtleties of the spiritual realm, sees through the monkey's disguise and unveils the truth to the villagers. This episode underscores the significance of spiritual discernment, the ability to perceive beyond illusions. It calls us to cultivate a discerning mind capable of piercing through veils of deceit, recognizing the genuine from the illusory on our journey toward spiritual awakening.

As the villagers uncover the monkey's true nature, their initial admiration turns to anger, leading to the monkey's expulsion. This transformative moment serves as a profound reminder that actions, whether mischievous or virtuous, bear consequences. In the grand tapestry of spiritual existence, the law of karma prevails, emphasizing that our choices mold our destiny. The monkey's banishment echoes the universal principle that every action, intentional or not, sends ripples through the interconnected threads of existence, shaping the evolving fabric of our spiritual journey.

The hermit's cfinal revelation and the villagers' response offer a tableau of transformation. The monkey, chastised and banished, becomes a symbol of potential redemption and growth. Even in our moments of folly and misdirection, there exists the possibility of change and spiritual evolution. The hermit's role as a guide and revealer of truth illustrates the compassionate aspect of spiritual mentors, reminding us that even in our waywardness, there are guiding forces urging us toward the light.

Within this story, layers of spiritual wisdom are interwoven with the threads of human experience. It beckons us to reflect upon our own encounters with mischievous monkeys in our lives, the veils we wear, and the discernment we bring to our spiritual journey. May this tale serve as a lantern, illuminating the path toward authenticity, discernment, and the profound interconnectedness that defines our sacred pilgrimage.

Personal Reflection Questions

Spiritual stories are an opportunity to reflect on your own life. Here are 10 questions you can use to go deeper with the teachings in this story:

In the leaf hut on the mountain, envision the solitude of your own sanctuary. What elements make up your metaphorical leaf hut, and how does it serve as a refuge for your soul's journey?
The monkey's mischievous exploits disrupt the hermit's tranquility, much like disruptions in our lives. Reflect on the mischievous monkeys in your own experiences, disturbances that challenge your peace, and how you navigate the unexpected.
As the hermit seeks alms, leaving his hut exposed, consider instances in your life when vulnerability led to unexpected challenges. How do you find strength in vulnerability, and what lessons have you gained from such moments?
The monkey's recurring visits to the hermit's hut suggest persistent habits or patterns in our lives. What repetitive behaviors or thought patterns resemble the mischievous monkey in your life, and how do you approach breaking free from them?
The hermit's prolonged absence prompts the monkey's journey to the village, revealing a quest for sustenance and meaning. Reflect on your own quests for nourishment, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and the insights gained from these journeys.
The monkey's attempt to mimic holiness prompts contemplation about the authenticity of spiritual gestures. When have you encountered or engaged in actions that resembled spiritual postures but lacked genuine intention? How can you ensure authenticity in your spiritual practice?
The hermit's recognition of the mischievous monkey's antics showcases discernment. Reflect on moments when clarity and discernment guided your actions, helping you see beyond appearances and recognize deeper truths.
The angry villagers beat up the monkey in response to the hermit's revelation. Explore your own reactions to moments of betrayal or deceit. How do you handle feelings of anger or disappointment, and what lessons can you draw from these experiences?
The monkey's expulsion from the village prompts consideration of consequences for deceptive actions. Reflect on instances in your life where the consequences of actions became evident. How do you navigate the repercussions of your choices?
The hermit's revelation to the villagers illustrates the power of truth in dispelling illusions. Reflect on your own relationship with truth and transparency. How does embracing honesty contribute to the clarity and authenticity of your spiritual journey?

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The Devoted Son

lmvnp2 — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 23:08:45 +0000

A long time back, The Bodhisattva was once born as a very pious boy named Saput. He was a very devoted son and took good care of his old parents. Now Saput’s parents had aged and all their teeth had fallen off. So it was very difficult for them to chew their food. Unable to have proper meals, his parents became weaker by the day. Saput felt very sorry for his parents and decided to do something for them. “All my parents can have is milk. I should do something to get the mountain deer’s milk,” thought Saput. So he decided to dress like a baby deer and putting on a deer’s head, he went to the mountain everyday so that the deer would mistake him to be one among them and allow him to mingle with them.

So, every morning Saput disguising himself like a baby deer, grazed with them. Thinking him to be a baby, the she-mountain deer allowed Saput to have her milk. Saput kept storing the milk in the little bottles that he hid under his garment. In the evening, he used to take the deer’s milk to his house and feed his parents. Soon his parents regained their health and Saput lived happily with them.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

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The Quail

lmvnp2 — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 23:03:39 +0000

The Bodhisattva was once born as a young quail who lived with his family in a well protected grass nest. Every morning his parents would go out to fetch food leaving him behind with his brothers. They returned with eatables like figs, worms, grass seeds and the like. His brothers age whatever their parents brought but the Bodhisattva refused to eat anything except the grass seeds and figs, for he was averse to destroying any form of life, even worms. Consequently his brother developed strong wings and grew up to be healthy adult quails while the Bodhisattva remained frail and was too weak to fly. Yet he remained happy thinking he had not killed any creature to satisfy his hunger.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

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The Wicked Ascetic

lmvnp2 — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 22:20:06 +0000

In one of his earlier lives, the Bodhisattva was born as a forest lizard. A wicked ascetic built a hut of leaves in the forest where the lizard lived and started living there himself. One day, the lizard crawled into the hut of the ascetic and seeing him meditating, paid his respects to him. From then on he started visiting the ascetic regularly.

One day, the ascetic ate a tasty meal prepared with lizard meat in the house of one of the villagers and decided to kill the forest lizard for a meal for himself. The next day the ascetic made the necessary arrangements and as soon as the lizard came into his hut, threw his staff at him. The wise lizard turned aside swiftly and the staff bounced off the wall and hit hard on the ascetic’s head. “Ouch…” cried the ascetic in pain and fell down unconscious in a pool of blood.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

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Unity Brings Happiness

lmvnp2 — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 22:16:10 +0000

Once there lived two very close friends – a lion and a tiger. They had been friends since they were cubs and did not know that they were different from each other. They lived happily in a forest, which was also inhabited by a wise and gentle hermit.

One day, the tiger and the tiger and the lion entered into an argument as to whether the cold season started when the new moon became a full moon or when the full moon became a new moon. The petty argument turned into a quarrel with each trying to prove the other wrong. So the two friends went to the wise hermit to ask him who was right.

The hermit listened to both of them and said, “The cold season begins when cold winds blow and this can happen during any phase of the moon. So, in a way, both of you are right. And in future, you should never quarrel, as unity brings happiness.”

“Oh… We were so silly,” thought the two friends and decided never to argue over trivial matters.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

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The Flight Of Sakka

lmvnp2 — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 22:05:50 +0000

In one of his many lives the Bodhisattva was born as Sakka, the King of Gods. Some demons once attacked the celestial kingdom with a huge army. Sakka boarded his golden chariot that was drawn by a thousand horses and marched ahead to fight the enemy. But the demons tolled heavy on the gods. Seeing that they were losing the battle, the gods began to flee. When Matali, Sakka’s charioteer, saw the gods fleeing, he too turned his chariot and flew up in the air. On the way, the wheels of the chariot almost crushed an eagle’s nest and the eagle’s children in it. Sakka saw this and immediately ordered Matali to turn the chariot around and move towards the battlefield. Seeing Sakka coming back, the demons thought that the King of Gods had come back with some new strategy and fell back in fear. Thus, the gods won the battle.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

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Mantra And The Monkeys – A Spiritual Story by Osho

lmvnp2 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 17:37:41 +0000

I have always told an ancient Tibetan story….

A young man was very much interested in the esoteric, in the mysterious. He found a saint who was known to have many secrets, but it was very difficult to get any secret from him. The young man said, “I will see. I will devote my whole life to his service, and I will get the secrets, the mysteries.”

So he remained with the old saint. The old saint told him, “You are unnecessarily wasting your time. I don’t have anything, I am just a poor old soul. Because I don’t speak, people think I am keeping some secret. But I don’t have anything to say, so I remain silent.”

But the man said, “I cannot be persuaded so easily. You will have to give me the secret which opens the door of all the mysteries.”

Tired of the young man, because twenty-four hours a day he was there… the poor old saint had to arrange for his food, had to ask somebody to take care for his clothes; the winter was coming and he would need more clothes. It had become a burden. Finally the old man got fed up. He told the young fellow, “Today I am going to tell you the secret. It is not very difficult. It is very simple.”

In Tibet there is a common mantra which religious people repeat: Om mani padme hum. He said, “Everything is hidden in this.”

But the young man said, “Don’t befool me! Everybody knows this mantra, it is not a secret. It is the most widely known mantra to the Tibetans.”

He said, “It is true, it is widely known. But the key is not known to them for opening it. Do you know the key for opening it?”

The young man said, “Key? I have never heard that there is a key to open a mantra.”

“That is the secret! The key is, while you are repeating the mantra — just for five minutes — just don’t let any monkey pop into your head.”

He said, “You seem to be an old idiot! In my whole life I have never thought of a monkey. Why should I think of one?”

He rushed down the stairs of the temple where the old saint lived. But strangely, even though he was not reciting the mantra, monkeys started coming, giggling. He would close his eyes and they would be there. He would run to this side and they would be there. They were not outside, they were inside his head. And slowly slowly the crowd was becoming bigger. As far as he could see, only monkeys and monkeys, and doing all kinds of circus!

He said, “My god, this is the key? I am finished! I have not even started the mantra.”

Finally he said, “Let me take a good bath and get rid of all these monkeys.” But the more he pushed them away, the more they jumped towards him. He took the bath, he burned incense, he sat in a religious lotus posture, but whatever he was doing, monkeys were watching from every side. He said, “It is strange — monkeys have never visited this house…” The whole night he tried, but he could not repeat this simple mantra Om mani padme hum without monkeys jumping in.

By the morning he was so tired. He said, “This old saint, I will kill him! What kind of key…?” In the morning he rushed to the old saint and said, “Please take away your key. I am almost mad!”

The old man said, “That’s why I was not telling anybody, because the key is very difficult. Now do you understand why I was silent?”

He said, “I don’t want to listen to a single word from you. You just take this key back and let me go home. And I don’t want these monkeys to follow me!”

The saint said, “If you give back the key, never repeat the mantra again. The monkeys will come! I cannot help it, they are not in my power.”

The man dropped the mantra, he dropped the key. He descended the same steps and there was no monkey at all. He closed his eyes and there was no monkey. He looked all around and there was no monkey. He said, “It is strange…” He tried just once on the way, to see what happens when he says Om mani padme hum and closes his eyes. And they were all coming, from all directions!

Osho – The Buddha : The Emptiness of the Heart

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The Wise Stag

lmvnp2 — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 20:13:43 +0000

Once, the Bodhisattva was the wise leader of a herd of stags. He had a nephew named Rahula, who was put under his care to learn the tricks of survival in the forest. Rahula was very obedient and followed his uncle’s instructions. One day, while the other deer were grazing in the forest, Rahula felt thirsty and headed towards the lake which was a little distance away, unaware of a hunter’s trap laid on the way. “Help! Help!” shouted Rahula, as he got trapped, but there was no one in sight. Rahula remembered the instructions given by his uncle. “Lt me feign death, for a hunter never takes away a dead animal,” thought Rahula and lay still, holding his breath. The hunter returned and when he saw Rahula, he mistook him to be dead and went away without him.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

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The Elephant With Six Tusks

lmvnp2 — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 19:48:21 +0000

Once upon a time the Bodhisattva was born as Uposatha, the king of the Chaddanta elephants who were considered to have the highest rank among elephants.

The majestic elephant was known for his handsome white body, red face and feet and six shining tusks. He lived deep inside a forest along with his two wives Mahasubhadda and Chullasubhadda.

One day, after bathing in the river that flowed through the forest, Uposatha was frolicking with his wives in the forest and playfully hit a big sal tree with his trunk.

The blow shook the tree and beautiful flowers rained on Mahasubhadda whereas dry twigs, leaves and red ants fell on Chullasubhadda.

Chullasubhadda felt very insulted and rejecting all the pleas of her husband, she left him. In due course Chullasubhadda died.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the “Elephant With Six Tusks” Story?

The story of Uposatha, the majestic king of elephants, delves into the profound depths of spiritual teachings that resonate across time and space, echoing eternal truths about the human experience.

It speaks to the nature of actions and their consequences, illustrating the intricate dance of cause and effect within the realm of existence. The blow struck by Uposatha at the sal tree unveiled a stark contrast in the aftermath—one wife showered with beauty and grace, the other laden with discomfort and strife.

The tale carries an inherent lesson about the repercussions of our actions, reminding us of the karmic forces that shape our lives. It underscores the potency of our intentions and deeds, highlighting the ripple effect they create within the tapestry of our experiences.

Moreover, it mirrors the transient nature of our attachments and the impermanence of life itself. Chullasubhadda's departure, driven by feelings of insult, unveils the ephemeral nature of our connections and the fragility of human emotions.

In the unfolding of Chullasubhadda's fate, we encounter the profound spiritual principle of acceptance and letting go. Her departure, while poignant, encapsulates the inevitability of change and the imperative of embracing life's ebbs and flows with equanimity.

The departure of Chullasubhadda from this earthly realm signifies not just an end but also a profound spiritual transformation—a transition into the realm beyond, resonating with the eternal cycle of birth and death.

Furthermore, the story serves as a beacon, illuminating the path toward inner reflection and self-awareness. It invites us to contemplate our own actions, to discern the intentions that guide us, and to recognize the subtle intricacies of our choices in shaping the fabric of our destiny.

Ultimately, the spiritual significance lies not merely in the narrative itself but in the timeless wisdom it imparts—a wisdom that beckons us to navigate the intricate web of existence with mindfulness, compassion, and an understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings.

It prompts us to embrace the essence of impermanence, encouraging us to cultivate virtues that transcend the transient nature of life. Through introspection and mindful living, we find ourselves poised to embark on a transformative journey—one that transcends the temporal realm and unveils the eternal truths that govern our spiritual evolution.

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The Deceitful Crow

lmvnp2 — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 19:16:34 +0000

A crow once visited the island of birds and longed to feast on the fledglings and eggs. He stood on one leg with his mouth open and declared that he was a holy being who lived on nothing else but wind. Believing the sly crow, the birds requested him to watch over their eggs and babies while they went to gather food. When the birds were gone, the crow went up to their nests and ate up most of the eggs and babies.

When the birds returned, they raised a hue and cry looking for their eggs and their young ones, without once suspecting the crow who they believed was a holy being. Day passed and one day the Bodhisattva, who was the king of the birds, secretly kept watch, and caught the crow red-handed and punished him.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

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