In the mid-1950’s, the leaders of Thailand decided to build a new highway into their largest city, Bangkok. The highway would pass through an area with relatively low population density where an old broken-down temple stood. The government purchased the property rights to the old temple and the surrounding grounds, and agreed to let a few local monks move a 500-year-old white stucco statue of Buddha to a safer location.
The stucco Buddha was absolutely immense in size and weight. It stood nearly 11 feet tall, with a 6-foot circumference, and weighed in at nearly 15,000 pounds. So the local monks worked with the government leaders to arrange for a large crane and transport to safely move the stucco Buddha from the old temple grounds to a new home on the other side of the city.
A couple weeks later, when the crane was actually in the process of moving the stucco Buddha, it was clear that everyone involved had miscalculated the statue’s weight and fragility. At one point, a turbulent wind gust forced the crane operator to bring the stucco Buddha back down to the ground with a hard thud. The massive idol cracked open in several places the moment it hit the ground, and the local monks screamed and pleaded for all crane operations to be halted for the day. Then, tarps were placed over the cracked statue to protect it from ensuing turbulent winds.
That evening, one of the monks was still very disturbed and couldn’t sleep a wink. So he put on his windbreaker and returned to the stucco Buddha with a lantern. He wanted to evaluate the damage to his sacred and holy idol. As he peered under one of the tarps and through a crack in the stucco, he noticed something odd buried several inches beneath the surface of the statue.
He picked up a mallet that the crane operator had left on the job site, and carefully chipped away at a small, loose piece of stucco that was wedged in the crack. When that loose piece of stucco eventually fell to ground, he peered through the now larger crack and was absolutely amazed by what he saw. So he returned to his monastery, woke up his fellow monks, and asked for their immediate assistance.
He told each of them to wear a windbreaker and bring a lantern and a mallet. Together, they returned to the stucco Buddha and, working against the winds, they began to chip away at the enormous sacred statue they and their ancestors had idolized and protected diligently for 20 generations.
When they completed their work the next morning, they all stood back in astonishment and gazed at what, together, they had worked tirelessly to uncover: their giant stucco Buddha statue wasn’t made of stucco at all. Instead, it was made of solid gold. And today, in the year 2020, the Golden Buddha—as it is now known—remains the largest known solid gold statue in the history of mankind.
In today’s dollars, just the price of the gold alone that makes up this behemoth of a Golden Buddha is worth more than $250,000,000.
Life’s Turbulent Winds
As Einstein so profoundly said, “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”
Of course, there are dozens of life lessons we can glean from the seemingly impossible true story of the giant Golden Buddha. But, at this moment, let’s just reflect on Einstein’s sentiment…
Reality is frequently inaccurate, and in the long run, the eyes see only what the mind is prepared to comprehend and discover.
We as a species are forever fighting through turbulent winds and chipping away at the layers of figurative stucco in our lives—layers of new truths hidden beneath old ones. And isn’t it funny how we can wrap our minds so tightly around things and fit them into our own version of reality? Sometimes for hundreds of years straight before we are forced to see things differently?
So, let that sink in right now. Life is a series of natural and evolving updates to what’s real. What we know to be true eventually changes, because time and growth both demand it. Don’t resist these changes; that only creates sorrow. Instead, choose to soar in life’s turbulent winds.
New Discoveries & Realities
Truth be told, sometimes you simply need to let go and accept the feeling of not knowing exactly why things happen the way they do, or where your journey is taking you. And you need to train yourself to appreciate this freedom. Because it is only when you are suspended in the air, with no clear destination in sight, that you force your wings—and your mind—to open fully so you can fly.
And as you soar around you still may not know where you’re traveling to. But that’s not what’s important. What’s important is the opening of your wings and mind. You may not know where you’re headed, but you know that so long as your wings are spread, and your mind alert, the turbulent winds of life will guide you forward to new discoveries and realities none of us can even fathom right now.
Your turn…
Please leave a comment below and let us know what you’re thinking…
What perspective did this post bring?
Anything else to share?
We would love to hear from YOU. 🙂
Also, we recently released our NEW podcast, THINK BETTER, LIVE BETTER (yes, it shares the title of our annual live event). You can listen to the first 18 episodes on your favorite podcast player right now (M&A on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts).
Finally, our next annual Think Better, Live Better conference is taking place February 8-9, 2020 in San Diego. We just released 3 more discounted early bird tickets that are still available right now (while they last).
Maya says
In a recent email newsletter, Angel wrote something like: “When we change our present understandings of a past circumstance, we also change that past circumstance’s significance in our present lives.” I think this post indirectly reinforces that profound point, and I appreciate it. Like you said, Marc, the reality we see and understand to be true is heavily dependent on our inner perception.
Patty says
I suffered abuse and enormous loss during my life. I walked forward under the shadow of that loss but the memories always tainted my reality. Maya, what you just shared was very important to me…..changing our understanding of past circumstance changes our present perspective. I have had the blessing recently of finding a wonderful psychologist who has helped me accept and let go the past. My reality is this moment. Thank you.
David says
Thank you for this read. It’s introspective posts like this that draw me to your live events, and encourage me to share your wisdom with others.
I love the sentiment that “the truth” or “reality” is not a fixed circumstance in our lives. The truth changes, because we as human beings get it wrong more often than we like to admit. And once we know better, we have to update what we know to be true about ourselves, others and the world at large.
Hilly says
Great read!
Wendy Mincer says
I just love you guys! Your articles are so authentic and full of numerous versions of empathy. I started to cry halfway through the article. That is always a sign something is about to resonate and I need to take a deep breath. This one made it difficult for me to even catch my breath.
After 5 years of marriage and having moved numerous times for my husband, I find myself alone in a place that was supposed be temporary, while we rented a place nearby the campus where I am in my second year of a Ph.D. program. We had a house in Dallas that we rented when we moved to North Carolina for 4 years. The plan was to come here to Denton (Texas), rent and live near campus for 2 years and then move back into the house in Dallas since I will be working on my dissertation. I am boxing up the house in Denton to move somewhere, rather than boxing up the house to move to Dallas.
I found out in November that my husband has had a mistress for 3 years. He had just returned from an interview in New Mexico that I heard about 2 days before he left. We moved here for one job. He got another one in August, and then interviewed in Nov.
After he accepted the job and while we were making preparations for me to return to the Dallas house and he was moving to NM as he did not want me to stop the program I worked for many years to get into (I am 55 years young), and “we would see where “we” are when I finished”. Of course I was a nervous wreck and my world had just shifted dramtically, I found pictures on his computer of a women he took a selfie with when he went on the interview. I confronted him, he tried to dismiss it but I had proof. I asked how long he had been seeing her as we had only moved to Denton shortly a year ago, he said “3 years”. And he had met her on Ashley Madison.
He did promise to continue funding my Ph.D. program. But later added he would like me to get additional funding as he was going to be paying for her nursing program now that she has joined him in NM. Of course, that should be her husband’s responsibility and obligation but apparently it is my husband’s now. I just found out all of her living expenses such as rent, school, phone, internet, utilities, food, etc. have been paid for the past 4 months from our joint checking account. Surprise!
All that aside, I find myself frightened and unsure of my future. With having to get a job on top of the 3 I carry at school, I had been focused on the plan we made 2 years ago and had made that my focus, intent and reality.
Now my reality is I married a narcissist, and I also think sociopath (I am working on my LPC licensure so I am trained in diagnosing). Dealing with the fact that though only married for 5 years (together for 8), only 2 of those years were really a marriage. I am paying through the nose for a divorce while he just gets to enjoy his new life, with his new love, and her dog…he left his here (but I am happy over that).
I try not to be angry and wish or think negative thoughts, as I can only hope that Karma will find them and that they each will only get what they deserve. I do not want any negativity coming back to me or to those who care about and support me. The universe is not something I want to mess with.
I have a portion of another one of your articles that references doing just that. How our journeys take turns we do not anticipate, want or know how to handle. And this takes off where after a bit of time, I am ready to not only hear but to understand. I needed this today. It prompted me to be vulnerable and to be human and cry. I can be hurt, I can cry. This was pretty devastating. And I am doing the best that I can, with what I have, where I am right now. This will make me such a better counselor. I have to appreciate the opportunities to learn from, even if they are painful.
I am going to let go and accept the feeling of not knowing exactly why things happen the way they do, or where your journey is taking you.
Yes. And though the thought of freedom is being blocked by the fear, I know it is irrational. I will get through this and then over this. And my journey has possibilities that I could not even think about because they were tied down to someone who hindered them. That thought alone is freeing.
Thank you so much for this VERY poignant article. It went straight to my heart and psyche. It will be hanging on my wall with all kinds of highlighting!
T Rose says
I’m so sorry. Unfortunately I can relate with your circumstances. I’m wrestling with picking up the pieces of my heart and moving forward. I like your comment about freedom and that your journey has possibilities you hadn’t ever thought of. That is the way I’d like to think about my future. Thank you
Jennifer says
Wendy, thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m dealing with the aftermath of a similar betrayal and particularly by the fact that the person doing the betraying seems to escape the mess without consequences. I struggled daily for years with the dark urge to judge and punish where the universe seemed to be asleep on the job. I am inspired and strengthened by your resolve to keep your thoughts positive and invest your energy in your own life and healing. I’ve learned (though I still resent) that these situations lie beyond revenge and even justice – both are unattainable. What I’ve wanted is for something (many things) in the past to be different, and that’s impossible. I denied it for ages, but the truth is that letting go with full acceptance (though it is unbelievably difficult and painful) is literally the only thing available to do, and it WILL move you forward. He does not deserve that action on your part, but YOU DO.
I think it is wise, and it’s so inspiring to me, that you try to leave the outcome to karma (and I wish I had tried to do that myself much earlier, rather than waging a pointless war that raged pretty much just in my own head and heart and affected my ex very little). Your husband’s new “love” is now entangled with an untrustworthy liar who will almost certainly bring her pain. And even if he has somehow changed his ways, he is now partnered with someone who actively encouraged him in dishonesty and betrayal, and undermined his marriage – not at all the actions of someone who loves and cares for him. Let them punish each other; you are FREE to recover and live in peace. You absolutely will heal from this, and your life – pure and true, with your open and honest spirit at the core of it, and your willingness to change and grow in reaction to whatever life brings you – holds unimaginable promise. This whole thing is about him, not you. Let it be his burden and not yours.
I admire you very much and will remember your example as I walk my own path. Thank you.
Marie Buckenr says
I am a regular reader of your articles and visitor to your website.
Thank you for sharing this poignant article. It provides insight on so many levels.
May I share your article with my readers? I operate a multiple award-winning blog focused on total knee replacement. I am certain reading this piece will calm some minds and open horizons.
Keep up the great work!
Sara says
Thank you! Just what I needed to hear today! I have been a stay at home mom now for 6.5 years and although I am grateful to be home with my kids, I have been craving more adult and creative outlets lately. I still have three years before my youngest will be in school and it’s articles like yours that leave me feeling better in the meantime.
Violet4u says
Your comment really made me emotional. I can tell you have a huge heart and are a good, kind, and caring person. I don’t normally respond to and read comments but something in my spirit told me to write to you. I’m sorry about your husband. That’s really sad he broke your heart. Jesus and I love you. I’m a 34 year old single mom supporting a family of 10 on my own but only one child is mine. Iv made some weird choices in life. Anyways enough about me… just wanted to thank you for sharing your story. I might not know where I’m going but there is a God who loves us and provides for us. I’m still learning but I felt a strong urge to tell you he loves you and hears you. I can’t speak for him but it’s the Holy Spirit in me. He’s a good dad in heaven. 🙂 my mom died two weeks before my son was born 10 years ago. I don’t know why but your words hit me and felt familiar. Can’t explain it but I prayed for you to be comforted during this difficult time. No one should be alone for things like this. Hope you have people to talk to who understand. I’m here if you need someone to listen or talk. 🙂
Shirley says
What I felt reading this article. I hope I can say it in a way that makes sense.
The Monks revered the statue BEFORE they discovered it was made of gold. What something IS does not matter quite so much as what importance, we give to it, for whatever reason. The statue was an illusion, a symbol. Things do not matter as much as what is in our hearts.
May all be well with your soul.
Namaste ?
seadimo gasennelwe says
yes change can chip away at the external appearance we have covered ourselves with because we are afraid to shine bright like gold. we cover ourselves because we do not want to blind other to see our value lest they idolise us and worship us… but to shine we must and our true value must be known. it take the combined effort of “monks with lanterns and their picks” to chip away at the external vernier that has been cocooning us. welcome 2020…time to realize my value! who and where are the monks of my life?
Rachael Paterson says
Exactly what I needed to read.
Thank you for this post.
Ladi bawa says
I suffered abuse and enormous loss during my life. I walked forward under the shadow of that loss but the memories always tainted my reality. Maya, what you just shared was very important to me…..changing our understanding of past circumstance changes our present perspective. I have had the blessing recently of finding a wonderful psychologist who has helped me accept and let go the past. My reality is this moment. Thank you.
Rebecca Goodrich says
Glean, not gleam.
Kendra says
Actually, this story is where the new perspective comes in. I’ve been to Bangkok many times and never knew of this story. It makes me realize how wrapped up I’ve always been in the moment and modern day living of Bangkok to hear about and experience the rich history of where I am. And how important it is to listen to these stories for perspective shifts and a deeper connection to where I am. Thank you for sharing this.