The True Peace

One day, The Emperor of Japan held a contest and would provide a reward to anyone who can paint about "peace". There are many artists that tried hard to win the race. The Emperor walked around to see the results of their work. Finally, there were only two paintings left that he really liked best. But the Emperor had to choose between the two. He inspected both paintings thoroughly.

The first painting depicted a calm lake. The Lake's surface is like a perfect mirror that reflects the peace of the mountains towering around it. Plastered on top, a blue sky with white clouds drifting. Everyone who sees this painting would have thought, this is the best picture about "peace".

The second painting describes the mountains. The mountains looked rough and bare. Above it, a dark and red sky that signifies a storm. On the side of the mountain there is a waterfall rushing and foaming. But it did not show calmness and peace. However, the Emperor saw something interesting. In the middle of the waterfall's noise, grows small bushes on the sidelines of a stone. In the bushes, lies a mother sparrow's nest & the eggs are laid and incubated.

"Which painting won the contest?", everyone wondered. Japan's Emperor chose the second picture. "Why?", everyone asked. The Emperor replied, "Because 'peace' does not mean you should be in place without any disturbance, trouble or worries. But 'peace' is a calm and peaceful heart, eventhough you are in the midst of the turmoil and remarkable chaos. A peace of heart is the true peace."

(Source: Hands of God)