One day a contest was held to see which artist was capable of reflecting the perfect peace in a painting.
Due to its importance, numerous painters came from different parts of the world.
In total, more than one hundred works were presented that tried to show that perfect moment of calm and tranquility.
Some showed beautiful sunsets seen from a beach or from the top of a mountain, in others you could find beautiful landscapes flooded by sunlight, flowers or snow.
But one of the last days a somewhat strange work arrived, because it represented the opposite: it was a scene in which the sea hit the rocks with fury and several rays came out of the clouds that reached the water.
All the works presented were shown to a respected Buddhist teacher who would be in charge of choosing the winner.
The problem was that, as they arrived, the teacher was rejecting them all.
"But ... isn't there any more, isn't there a different one?" All of these do not serve me.
—No, teacher, we have already brought you all the ones that have entered the contest… although, well… there really is another painting but we have not brought it to you because we thought that its author has been confused on the subject.
"Well, if he has come, I have to give him the same opportunities as the rest, if you can bring him ...
In a few minutes they arrived with the painting.
-This is. As you can see, it represents a scenario totally contrary to perfect peace.
The teacher began to analyze the work, was closely observing it and, suddenly, a smile appeared on his face.
"We already have winning work," he exclaimed.
-Than? —Answered everyone confused.
"Yes, yes ... look, look there, right on the branch of that tree." Observe that little bird that calmly observed the storm from its nest.
Everyone was surprised to discover that detail.
—Peace does not mean being in a place without noise, without problems, without wind, without rain… Peace means that despite being in the midst of the storm, that bird is able to remain serene and calm. That is the true meaning of perfect peace.