This Too Shall Pass

Book: SOLO JUMP - Chapter 9 - Be Grateful.

No matter your current situation, I want you to be aware it can always change for better or for worse, and that is one of the main reasons why you should continue practicing gratitude at all times. There is a famous Persian adage that is very well known in many religions around the world and it talks about how everything can always change and that nothing is permanent, as it reflects the temporary nature of the human condition. I decided to add this short story to my book (and blog), as I think there is no better way to explain the message of gratitude, the importance of being present and feeling thankful at all times.

This Too Shall Pass*

"Once a king called upon all of his wise men and asked them, ‘Is there a mantra or suggestion which works in every situation, in every circumstance, in every place and in every time? In every joy, every sorrow, every defeat and every victory? One answer for all questions? Something which can help me when none of you is available to advise me? Tell me, is there any mantra?’ All the wise men were puzzled by the king’s question. They thought and thought. After a lengthy discussion, an old man suggested something which appealed to all of them. They went to the king and gave him something written on paper, with a condition that the king was not to look at it out of curiosity. Only in extreme danger, when the king finds himself alone and there seems to be no way, only then he can see it. The king put the paper under the diamond in his ring.

Sometime later, a neighboring king attacked the kingdom. The king and his army fought bravely but lost the battle. The king had to flee on his horse. The enemy was following him and they were getting closer and closer. Suddenly, the king found himself standing at the end of the road - that road was not going anywhere. Underneath there was a rocky valley a thousand feet deep. If he jumped into it, he would be finished, and he could not return because it was a small road. The sound of the enemy’s horses was approaching fast. The king became desperate. There seemed to be no way. Then suddenly he saw the diamond in his ring shining in the sun, and he remembered the message hidden in the ring. He opened the diamond and read the message. The message was THIS TOO SHALL PASS. The king read it. Again, he read it. Suddenly, something struck him. ‘Yes! This too will pass. Only a few days ago, I was enjoying my kingdom. I was the mightiest of all the kings. Yet today, the kingdom and all my pleasure have gone. I am here trying to escape from enemies. Like those days of luxuries have gone, this day of danger too will pass.’ A calm came across his face. He kept standing there. The place where he was standing was full of natural beauty. He had never known that such a beautiful place was also a part of his kingdom. The revelation of the message had a great effect on him. He relaxed and forgot about those following him.

After a few minutes, he realized that the noise of the horses and the enemy coming was receding. They had moved to some other part of the mountains and weren’t near him.

The king was very brave. He reorganized his army and fought again. He defeated the enemy and regained his empire. When he returned to his empire after victory, he was received with much fanfare. The whole capital was rejoicing in the victory. Everyone was in festive mood. Flowers were being showered on the king from every house, from every corner. People were dancing and singing. For a moment, the king said to himself, ‘I am one of the bravest and greatest kings. It is not easy to defeat me.’ With all the reception and celebration, he saw an ego emerging in himself. Suddenly, the diamond of his ring flashed in the sunlight and reminded him of the message. He opened it and read it again: THIS TOO SHALL PASS. He became silent. His face went through a total change - from the egoist he moved to a state of utter humbleness. If this too is going to pass, it is not yours. The defeat was not yours; the victory is not yours. You are just a watcher. Everything passes by. We are witnesses of all this. We are the perceivers. Life comes and goes. Happiness comes and goes. Sorrow comes and goes.

Now as you have read this story, just sit silently and evaluate your own life. This too will pass. Think of the moments of joy and victory in your life. Think of the moments of sorrow and defeat. Are they permanent? They all come and pass away. Life just passes away. There is nothing permanent in this world. Everything changes except the law of change. Think over it from your own perspective. You have seen all the changes. You have survived all setbacks, all defeats and all sorrows. All have passed away. The problems in the present, they too will pass away. Because nothing remains forever. Joy and sorrow are the two faces of the same coin. They both will pass away. You are just a witness of change. Experience it, understand it, and enjoy the present moment. This too shall pass."

*short story translated by Edward Fitzgerald.