05/02/2026
The Light of Two Lamps
In a village lived a poor young man. His home was filled with darkness, but his heart was full of longing for light and awakening. One day, he heard that a wise monk had arrived in the village—one who taught people about the causes of suffering and the path to liberation.
The young man went to the monk and said,
“Venerable Sir, my life is surrounded by darkness. Poverty, hardship, and despair have enclosed me. How can I attain freedom?”
The monk handed him a small lamp and said,
“Light this lamp.”
The young man lit the lamp. In its faint glow, the room became slightly brighter.
Then the monk asked another question,
“If you light another lamp from this one, will the light of the first lamp be reduced?”
After thinking for a moment, the young man replied,
“No, Venerable Sir. The light will not diminish—rather, the room will become even brighter.”
The monk smiled gently and said,
“Just so with wisdom, compassion, and loving-kindness.
The more you give to others, the more your own life becomes illuminated.”
Then the monk taught him:
Greed is the root of suffering,
Compassion is the path to peace,
And a mindful mind is the gateway to liberation.
Gradually, the young man began to transform his life. He learned to be content with what little he had. He helped others, abandoned hatred, and trained his mind. With time, his life became illuminated—not only outwardly, but from within.
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🌼 Moral of the Story
🔹 Light does not decrease when it is shared—it multiplies
🔹 Compassion and wisdom are the true wealth
🔹 Change begins within one’s own mind
🔹 Happiness is not outside, but in a mindful heart
