Power of Thoughts

Thoughts have the power to connect with nature and the universe. This story depicts the power of thoughts in a mind. The events unfolded during Lord Buddha’s time in 6^th century BC.  

In an ancient city of Soreyya in North India, there was a city treasurer who's son by the same name. One day Soreyya went out of the city with his friend in a carriage for a bath. There was a tranquil river flowing by the side of the city.   Beside the rippling waters they found a Buddhist monk getting into the water by the waterfront. Suddenly, there was a gust of wind and the monk’s robe was swished away from his shoulder. Soreyya saw the monk’s complexion. It was shining like gold. A thought came to him, “l wish he would become my wife, or may my wife’s complexion be like his body”. Instantly, due to his wrongful wish a miracle occurred. His manhood organs disappeared and changed him to a woman. He was confused and distraught.  He ran into the nearby forest withoutinforming his friend. His friend looked everywhere to find Soreyya, but failed and went back to his city alone. 

Lady Soreyya passed the forest, and arrived at the city of Takkasila. The treasurer of that city found her. Also got to know that lady Soreyya was alone in the city, therefore he got married to her. Time passed by and lady Soreyya gave birth to two beautiful sons. In her previous marriage as Soreyya, there were two other sons.  

After about five years later, lady Soreyya’s previous friend visited the city of Takkasila. Lady Soreyya got to know and arranged to meet the friend. She told him everything what had happened. Soreyya’s friend was shocked and decided to help his friend. He suggested a plan to get out of this mess. They arranged an alms giving to the Buddhist Thera, who was getting into water by that river who was none other than Venerable Maha Kaccana Maharahath Thera. He was one of the eighty supreme Maharahath theras of Lord Buddha. Afterwards, lady Soreyya asked for pardon for her dreadful and unrealistic thought beside the river. Then the Thera said, “Get up, I forgive you” As the words went into the air, a miracle occurred and her female organs disappeared and lady Soreyya became a man again. His friend was delighted.  

It was asked by many, “whom you love the most”. Then Soreyya said, “l love both my present and past sons, but l have more affection to the sons l have given birth than the sons borned to me”. Later Soreyya moved out of that unrealistic unsecured and unstable life and followed the footsteps of the Maha Kaccana thera. After a few years he attained the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana. (Ref: Dhammapada verses 43) 

Moral of the story is don’t underestimate the power of your thoughts in your mind. Well directed thoughts can do more for the well-being of one.  Also don’t judge a person from their outer appearance. You may not know that person’s capabilities. You can change your destination with your courage and determination.

May your rightful thoughts direct your life towards excellence!