The Mundakopanisad tells a profound story about two birds perched on the branches of a tree, delivering an invaluable lesson on finding peace versus being fragmented by life’s ups and downs.
One bird sits on the lower branches, cheerful and chirpy as it tastes the sweet berries from the tree. But soon, its happiness turns into sorrow as it encounters the bitter berries. Exhausted by this alternating cycle of joy and despair, the bird looks up and notices its twin on the higher branch.
The upper bird, calm and equanimous, does not eat any berries—sweet or bitter—yet remains serene, unshaken by the winds, heat, rain, or autumn’s fall. It simply observes everything, aware and unaffected. This sight fills the lower bird with wonder. How can the upper bird be so peaceful? Inspired, it decides to climb higher, hopping from branch to branch, step by step.
Finally, when the lower bird reaches the upper branch, it realizes something astonishing: the upper bird is none other than its own true self. The lower bird—caught up in experiences and emotions—is but an illusion. The real self is the serene witness, eternally at peace.
The Path to Inner Peace
This story is a metaphor for every one of us. True peace is not something we acquire externally; it is our very essence. The first step to realizing this is believing in the truth: You are a peaceful, eternal being—not the born or dying, not the good or bad.
However, attaining this peace requires effort. Like the bird hopping branch by branch, we must rise in consciousness, shedding the illusion that we are separate entities. This finite belief fosters selfishness, the root cause of losing peace. By expanding your consciousness to embrace, love, and serve all, you align with your infinite nature.
The Harmony of Peace and Purpose
When true peace is attained, your life’s purpose naturally unfolds. Peace sharpens intuition, which guides you more effectively than intellect. Following your purpose means listening to your heart first—let the head think and the hands execute only after the heart feels.
Purpose transforms work into joy. Consider this contrast: In Tom and Jerry, Tom chases Jerry for food, while Jerry runs for its life. Jerry’s passion triumphs because survival fuels its purpose. Similarly, when your work aligns with your heart, it becomes your relaxation, and success follows effortlessly.
On the other hand, work driven solely by the need for livelihood lacks the depth and fulfillment needed for true peace. To find your purpose, search your soul. Once you align your energies with your life’s mission, your potential becomes infinite. You gain the Universe’s support in executing your vision.
Conclusion
Living your purpose, regardless of material outcomes, ensures a meaningful life. It’s better to be a lion pursuing your unique path than a sheep following the crowd. By connecting to your inner peace, you unlock your purpose. Pursuing your purpose, in turn, deepens your peace.
Let this story inspire you to rise above the lower branches of life’s transient joys and sorrows, to the higher realm of peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
This article is written by; Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai.