What Is the Mental Illness That Harms Others? Learning the Path to Happiness from the White Elephant

Title: What Is the Mental Illness That Harms Others? Learning the Path to Happiness from the White Elephant

Today, I will tell you a profound story based on Buddhist teachings. It is about an ancient Indian king who, consumed by jealousy and anger, fell into a troubled state of mind, and about a “white elephant” who became a source of salvation. Let us explore the keys to healing the mind as taught by Buddha.

Introduction: What is Mental Illness?

Even today, many people suffer from inner troubles. Emotions like jealousy, anger, and hatred erode people’s hearts. Those who are trapped in this "mental illness" often harm not only themselves but also the people around them. Through today’s story, let's reflect on the Buddhist teachings about healing the mind.

Chapter 1: The Birth of the White Elephant and Its Special Mission

Long ago, in an Indian kingdom, a white elephant, said to be sent by the gods, was born. This elephant shone with a pure, moonlit light and had a calming effect on all who saw it. Its graceful presence and compassionate nature became a symbol of hope for the people.

The elephant was not only beautiful; it had a great compassion, always ready to help those in need. This deeply touched those around it, and they loved and respected the elephant. Especially its trainer, who was truly grateful for the elephant’s kindness and devoted to it.

Chapter 2: The King’s Heart Consumed by Jealousy

However, the presence of this elephant became a major issue for one person—the king of the land. At first, the king was captivated by the beauty of the elephant and took pride in it, but gradually, its presence made him anxious.

Despite being the ruler, the king could not bear the people’s love and admiration for the elephant. He began to see their praise for the elephant as a personal slight, and soon jealousy took over his heart.

Chapter 3: A Plot Filled with Malice

The king decided to humiliate the elephant publicly, giving it impossible challenges to show its limitations. His goal was to push the elephant to failure and thereby diminish its value in the eyes of the people. The king ordered the elephant’s trainer to take it to a dangerous location, hoping to humiliate it.

The trainer trusted the elephant but sensed the king’s intention. He felt torn between his loyalty to the elephant and the king’s orders. Still, the elephant seemed to understand everything and obeyed the commands.

Chapter 4: The Elephant’s Decision

After a series of unreasonable demands, the trainer finally whispered to the elephant, “The king wants to drive you to your death. If you have the power to escape from here, fly far away.” Hearing these words, the elephant, as if by miracle, soared into the sky and flew to a distant land.

In this moment, the people gasped in astonishment, and the king was forced to confront the pettiness of his own heart. With the elephant’s departure, the king finally understood the magnitude of what he had lost.

Chapter 5: A New Beginning in a Distant Land

The white elephant arrived in a new kingdom where the king, moved by the elephant’s beauty and kindness, welcomed it with respect. The new king, being a kind ruler, granted the elephant a part of the land and honored its presence. In this kingdom, the elephant’s power was fully recognized, and the entire country began to prosper.

The people in this kingdom realized the healing power of the elephant and held great respect and gratitude toward it. The elephant’s trainer also found peace in this land, and together with the elephant, they brought joy and happiness to the people.

Chapter 6: Lessons from the Story

Through this story, Buddha teaches us how emotions like jealousy and anger can poison the human heart, and that actions intended to harm others ultimately cause suffering to oneself. The king’s jealousy of the elephant made him blind to its true value, leading him down a path of self-destruction.

Additionally, this story teaches us the importance of understanding and respecting the intrinsic value of others. By welcoming the elephant and appreciating its true worth, the new kingdom prospered and flourished.

Conclusion: What is True Happiness?

Through this story, Buddhism shows us that inner peace and happiness do not come from comparing ourselves to others or feeling jealousy. Instead, true happiness arises from understanding and valuing ourselves and others. The path to happiness is one free from mental illness, built on mutual respect and joy.

Even when facing temporary difficulties, maintaining correct actions and a compassionate heart will always open the way forward. Just as in the story of the white elephant, a life dedicated to the well-being of others brings us genuine happiness and prosperity.