That's a beautiful story often used to illustrate the true meaning of peace.
The tale you're referencing is about a king who promised a great reward to the artist who could paint the truest picture of Peace.
Many skilled artists brought forward magnificent paintings.
- Some painted calm lakes, serene meadows, and tranquil sunsets.
- One painting, in particular, was praised by the court: a perfectly still, mirror-like lake reflecting a peaceful mountain.
However, the winning painting was brought forward by a young artist and was unlike the others.
The Winning Picture of Peace
The artist had painted a scene that initially seemed chaotic:
- He painted a raging waterfall, crashing down the side of a steep cliff, surrounded by jagged rocks and violent spray. The scene was full of turmoil and noise.
- But when the king looked closer, hidden right in the midst of the chaos, was the perfect depiction of peace.
- Tucked away behind the waterfall, safe in a crevice where the water didn't touch, was a tiny bird's nest.
- Inside the nest, a small mother bird sat serenely, sheltered from the storm and resting peacefully on her eggs.
The Meaning of the Story
The king declared this painting the winner because he understood the artist's message:
Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of serenity within the turmoil.
It is easy to be peaceful when everything is going well (like the still lake), but true peace is the strength to remain calm and centered even when life's difficulties (the waterfall) are raging all around you.