An evening story.
More than two thousand years ago, in the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the young prince Siddhartha (Buddha) grew up.
A loving father built impenetrable walls of luxury and pleasure around him in order to protect the heir from all worries in life. However, a golden cage never saves you from reality.
After encountering sickness, old age and death once outside the palace gates, the future Buddha forever left his illusory safe house to seek truth. In a stunning irony of fate, his hometown also turned out to be completely defenseless against the merciless time. Years later, the settlement was brutally destroyed by the army of a vengeful neighbor from the Kushala kingdom.
The great teacher tried to prevent this tragedy, but even he couldn't stop someone else's wrath. The mourner could only wander among the burning ruins of his youth and gently comfort the dying with compassionate talks of eternal peace.
This poignant story reminds us of the incredible fragility of any earthly stronghold. Tangled ties of lies and pride always lead to ashes, and only a pure and open heart can become your only true and safe refuge.
Indian lotus.