The Two Stories that Awaken the Soul: From the Elephant in the Mud to the Treasure Within

let us reflect on two inspiring stories that contain profound truths about life, courage, and spiritual awakening, for each story carries a message meant to awaken your inner strength and guide you toward supreme peace.

Story 1: The King’s Elephant

Once there was a mighty king who owned a majestic elephant, beloved by everyone in the kingdom. This elephant was not only strong and loyal but also wise and brave. In many great battles, it had brought the king victory and glory. However, time passed, and the elephant grew old and weak.

One day, while drinking water from a shallow pond, it slipped into the mud and got stuck. The more it tried to move, the deeper it sank. It cried out in despair. Hearing its painful cries, the mahouts rushed to rescue it. But no matter how hard they tried to pull it out, their efforts only hurt it more. The mighty creature that once conquered battlefields was now helpless in a muddy pit. When the king heard the news, he came running. Seeing his beloved elephant in distress, tears filled his eyes. The oldest mahout then suggested a different idea — “Bring the royal war drum and gather the soldiers before the elephant.”

The king followed the advice. As soon as the war drum sounded and the soldiers assembled, the elephant suddenly stirred. Hearing the powerful rhythm of the war drum, it remembered its valor and strength. In a single leap, it rose from the mud — free, majestic, and powerful once again. The drum awakened its courage. The same elephant that was once hopeless found its strength the moment it remembered who it truly was.

The Lesson

This story teaches us that no matter how deep we may feel stuck in life’s mud — depression, failure, fear, or confusion — we can rise again. What we need is courage, faith, and a reminder of our divine strength. When morale is awakened, no power in the world can suppress us. Those who lose courage sink deeper into despair, but those who believe in themselves emerge victorious. So, when darkness surrounds you, stay calm, stable, and remember that even this time will pass. Hold firm to your faith and the supreme power that governs the universe. Like the elephant, remember the sound of your inner drum — your soul’s power.

Story 2: The Woodcutter and the True Wealth

There once lived a saint who meditated peacefully beneath a large tree. Nearby, a poor woodcutter would come every day to chop wood. Observing him for many days, the saint finally said, “My brother, why don’t you go a little further into the forest? There you will find sandalwood trees. Cutting just one day’s wood from there can sustain you for a week.” The woodcutter hesitated at first but finally decided to trust the saint. He went further and indeed found sandalwood! Overjoyed, he returned, bowed to the saint, and said, “Forgive me, I doubted your words.”

The saint smiled and said, “Good, but don’t stop here. Go a little further beyond sandalwood.” The next day, the woodcutter went deeper into the forest and discovered silver mines. He was amazed and thanked the saint again. But the saint told him, “Go a little further.” Obeying, the woodcutter found gold mines, and beyond that, diamond mines. Now he was immensely rich and thought, “What could be beyond diamonds?” He came to the saint and said, “Now I have everything — please let me be.” The saint smiled and said, “Foolish one, did it never occur to you why I, who know about all these treasures, still sit under this tree in meditation? Did you never wonder what treasure lies beyond diamonds?”

The woodcutter was struck with realization. He fell at the saint’s feet and cried, “I am blind! You possess the greatest treasure — the treasure within. You have found something far beyond all wealth.” The saint said gently, “Yes, my brother. The greatest treasure lies within you —  of your soul. Meditate. Know yourself. That is the supreme wealth that never fades.”

The Deeper Truth

We spend our lives seeking material treasures — wood, silver, gold, diamonds — yet forget the divine within us. Each level of discovery represents higher consciousness. The ultimate realization is self-awareness — the realization of the soul and connection with the Supreme Being.

True wealth is not in gold or diamonds but in peace, knowledge, and spiritual awakening. Time is the most valuable asset, for it cannot be regained once lost. Great souls use time to elevate their consciousness and serve the world. Just as the saint guided the woodcutter, divine beings and masters guide us today — urging us to look within, awaken, and live with purpose.

The Message of Supreme Peace (Paramshanti)

True peace is not the silence of the mind but the stillness of the soul. When you connect with the Supreme Source, your mind repairs itself like the body resting in deep sleep. Worries, stress, and negativity dissolve, and divine vibrations begin to flow through you. Through the power of Paramshanti (supreme peace), your soul awakens. The supreme light — the light of infinite creation — begins to flow through your being. This light heals, purifies, and uplifts. Spread these vibrations of supreme peace to every soul and every corner of this planet. Let Earth become a lighthouse of light and love.

Towards International Supreme Peace Day

Today, the world celebrates International Peace Day, but let us take it further — let us envision International Supreme Peace Day. Let every soul on Earth realize the meaning of supreme peace — the peace that liberates, the peace that connects all beings, the peace that is eternal. Start small — write “Supreme Peace” in your messages, your status, and your prayers. Let the vibration of supreme peace spread across the world. May this word become the light that unites humanity.