The Waterfall and the Pond: A Buddhist Parable on Rest and Renewal

0:00Hey there, I just wanted to touch base with you and tell you that you are enough and that rest is important. You know, in our world we tend to over glorify activity and performance, often while neglecting the importance of rest and regeneration. So I found this little parable from the Buddhist Canon that I'm going to share with you today. And it's something that you can kind of meditate on as you think about the importance of renewal and regeneration. And in that spirit I'm going to invite you to get comfortable to just start to regulate yourself by breathing in for four, three, two, one, holding

1:03and exhaling, three, two, and one. Let's do that one more time. Inhaling, two, three, four, and exhaling, three, two, and one. This is your permission to relax, to chill out, to let go and to heal. There's nothing to do here. You are not required to listen. If you fall asleep to my voice, that's okay.

2:04This is for you, my friend. The waterfall in the pond. Once upon a time there was a waterfall called Ken Show High on a mountain. It was mighty and powerful and its waters thundered down day and night. At the foot of the mountain was a quiet pond, Yuma, who still waters reflected the sky. The pond was so calm that even the smallest movements on its surface could be seen. Every day the waterfall sent its water into the pond and every night the water from the pond was drawn back up to the waterfall.

3:06This continuous cycle of give and take between Ken Show and Yuma was an endless source of renewal. One day Ken Show proudly said to Yuma, see how powerful I am? My water gushes continuously and in livens everything in its path. And yet I am always ready to give more. How can you so still and quiet match my power? Yuma modestly replied, you are indeed powerful Ken Show. Your energy and life are unmistakable. But remember, I absorb your water. I keep it and let it rest.

4:11And in my stillness I prepare it to rise back up to you, renewed and ready for another cycle of flow. Ken Show considered Yuma's words and recognized the truth in them. You are right Yuma, without your silence, without your stillness, my flow would not be possible. Just as I fill you with my power, you fill me with your stillness. We are both parts of the same cycle of renewal. From that day on, Ken Show and Yuma understood the true nature of their connection.

5:12The waterfall appreciated the peace and constancy of the pond. And the pond recognized the power and dynamism of the waterfall. They realized that both were necessary for the cycle of renewal and that together they created a harmony that neither could achieve alone. And so the waterfall still flows today, giving its water to the pond and receiving it back renewed. They are a constant example of the cycle of renewal. A reminder that in give and take, in movement and stillness, the true harmony of life, is to be found.

6:21Take this with you, my friends. And remember that you are the waterfall and you are also the pond. And that by choosing to rest, you are not giving up your power. You are increasing it. Wishing you peace and love and light. Namaste.