[The Teachings of Buddha] Freedom from the Desire for Approval! The True Freedom Guided by Buddha's Teachings
Introduction
Are you truly living your own life right now? Or are you still chasing after the approval of others, always concerned with how you're perceived by those around you? The root of this anxiety and fear is the desire for approval. This invisible chain is what robs you of true freedom. Now, it’s time to break free from this invisible restraint. Today, through an ancient Indian tale, we hope to provide you with the key to transforming your life. The stage is set in a prosperous city of ancient India, where a young merchant named Akara had his shop.
Chapter 1: What is the Desire for Approval?
The desire for approval is the human need to be recognized and valued by others. This is a natural emotion that everyone has, but it can sometimes dominate our minds, making us overly concerned about how others view us. As a result, we lose sight of ourselves and struggle to find peace of mind. Especially in today’s world, with social media and constant information overload, the desire for approval is heightened, leading us to compare ourselves endlessly to others.
Even during Buddha's time, people faced similar issues. Many were consumed by the desire for recognition and success, which led to the loss of their inner stability. But how can we let go of this desire for approval and gain true freedom?
Chapter 2: A Life Bound by the Desire for Approval
Now, let’s take a look at the story of the ancient Indian merchant, Akara. He was a young merchant who had achieved great success early in life, but his mind was constantly plagued by comparisons with others and the desire for approval. He competed with the other merchants in the marketplace, always wanting to be the best. He particularly envied his neighbor, an older and more experienced merchant named Karna, who was well-known for his success.
However, Akara's anxiety and jealousy drove him to make a reckless deal, which resulted in a massive loss for his business. Rather than recognizing his own shortcomings, he blamed his failure on external factors, unaware that his jealousy toward others had clouded his judgment. That night, Akara was overwhelmed with regret as he realized the depth of his foolishness.
Chapter 3: Encounter with Buddha's Teachings
One evening, while tormented by his jealousy and anxiety, Akara wandered the streets and eventually found himself at a small temple on the outskirts of town. There, he met a monk named Sāra, who welcomed him warmly. Akara shared his failures and asked why he was so consumed by comparisons and why he suffered from constant jealousy.
Sāra gently explained, "Your suffering stems from the desire for approval. By constantly comparing yourself to others and seeking recognition from them, you are clouding your mind and losing sight of your true self." Akara was shocked by these words, realizing that he had been pursuing the wrong things all along.
Chapter 4: Achieving Freedom through Mindful Observation
Sāra continued, "Observe the emotions that arise within you—jealousy, anxiety, and impatience. By calmly watching how these emotions emerge and then fade, you can stop being controlled by them and begin to face yourself with clarity."
Akara took this teaching to heart and began practicing mindfulness daily. At first, it was difficult; his impatience and jealousy didn’t disappear, but slowly he learned to observe his emotions without being overwhelmed by them. Over time, he found that he could remain focused on his business dealings without being swayed by his emotions.
Weeks passed, and Akara found that he could now maintain his composure even during competitive moments in the marketplace. Where he once would have been consumed by jealousy, he now stayed focused on his own goals, no longer driven by external comparisons.
Chapter 5: Freedom from the Desire for Approval
Akara finally reached a point where he no longer sought validation from others and found his own sense of worth. He was now able to focus on building trusting relationships with his customers rather than competing with other merchants. As a result, his business prospered, and he gained a reputation for being a reliable and trustworthy merchant.
One day, a young merchant visited Akara, struggling with the same anxieties Akara had once faced. Seeing himself in the young merchant, Akara kindly offered advice: "It’s not about comparing yourself to others. What’s important is finding value within yourself. Success comes naturally when you are patient and work diligently, without rushing or competing with others."
Chapter 6: What is True Freedom?
Buddha’s teachings emphasize the importance of inner peace. By freeing ourselves from the desire for approval, by stopping the endless comparisons with others, and by finding value within ourselves, we can achieve true freedom. Akara practiced these teachings and eventually became well-respected in the marketplace. Yet, he never grew arrogant, always staying focused on personal growth.
Akara’s story serves as a reminder for those of us living in modern society. Instead of being trapped by the expectations and evaluations of others, we should strive to find value within ourselves and pursue inner peace. This is the key to living a truly fulfilling life.
Conclusion
Through today’s story, we’ve learned how important it is to let go of the desire for approval. We often unconsciously compare ourselves to others and become bound by societal standards. But by observing our emotions and letting go of external expectations, as taught by Buddha, we can achieve true freedom and live our own lives authentically.
Let’s continue to listen to Buddha’s teachings as we strive for further growth and inner peace. Thank you for reading. If you found this post helpful, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel! See you in the next time.
