Unexpected will Happen and the Expected will be Destroyed!

The Uncertainty of Future

Life is not a straight line that starts with birth and ends in death. In real world, life is a circle, we born and die countless times. In this circle, the time is a loop that includes the past, present, and future. Within a little period, the past goes to history while the future becomes the present. At the same time, we set another future on the horizon, which eventually will be the present in one day.

The day we die is in the future. But the moment we die, it becomes present. This is the true nature of everything around us, whether we like it or not. The definition of the future is the ‘time that is to come’. Since the future is unknown, the distinguishing factor to notice is the ‘Uncertainty’. As we don’t know the future precisely, it brings dreams, opportunities, and hopes, with the ability to open up a few different aspects. On the other hand, the future brings fear, confusion, and anxiety as a result of the same uncertainty.

This uncertain future brings troubles to people, not only today but thousands of years back during Lord Buddha’s time as well. Lord Buddha taught that ‘The Unexpected will Happen and the Expected will be Destroyed’. A story of a poor farmer elaborates this further.

In the time of Lord Buddha, there was a poor farmer who cultivates a rice field. Since this farmer is poor the rice field was the only source of income for him and his family. Therefore, he worked very hard expecting a good harvest. He went to the field in the dawn and worked until the dusk. One day Lord Buddha went across this field and saw this poor farmer’s hard work. Seeing his future, the Lord Buddha thought to talk with him. The poor farmer also was very happy to meet Lord Buddha and said that he’s expecting a good harvest from the field shortly. He also promised to cook tasty milk rice for Lord Buddha once the rice reaps. After this little conversation the farmer continued his work and Lord Buddha also walked away.

Unfortunately, the following day night, something unexpected happened. A strong winds and heavy rains hit the village and the river was flooded. The poor farmer’s entire crop was destroyed. He was depressed, fainted, and disheartened. At the same time, he was ashamed as he promised Lord Buddha to offer food once harvested. Knowing that he was not able to provide any food even for himself, he went to see Lord Buddha to tell his misfortune.

On this occasion the Lord Buddha preached to the poor farmer the two possibilities of the uncertain future which make us depressed and unhappy.

1. The Unexpected things will Happen

As per the farmer the heavy rain was unexpected during that time and what he expected was good weather to harvest the rice. Since the unexpected happened all the hopes went away with the floodwater. There is no difference between the destroyed crop and our lives. We expect everything to work according to our plans. However, most of the time the expected things won’t happen and the unexpected will happen as the future is uncertain. Due to this, most of the time we suffer. If we knew and ready to accept different possibilities of the future, the sufferings will be lesser.

2. The Expected things will be Destroyed

Similarly, the things we desire will be destroyed, no matter how hard we try to achieve a better result. Though the farmer worked from dawn to dusk, he couldn’t protect his rice field from the floodwater. This can be happening to anyone, as no matter the struggle, no matter the effort, our dreams also can be washed away by anything unexpected. This is why we say the future is uncertain and can destroy the things we expected.

Change is the only thing that doesn’t change. Though the change is inevitable, if we can understand the possibilities, it will make us stronger to face the change effectively. ‘Unexpected things will happen and the expected things will be destroyed’ and that is the nature of the world. Though this cannot be controlled, we can control some aspects of the future. And that is through the human qualities which need to be improved by a person from within.

If someone dares to never give up, have solid determination to do better, and have faith in the results, he/she will have the ability to shape the future as per the wish. No one can give guarantees on the future but the person who develops the qualities to face the future will do a difference from the rest. ‘Unexpected will happen and the expected will be destroyed’ the eternal truth of the future will only win by a person with courage, determination, and faith. Hence have faith and work hard, but be ready to face the obstacles and overcome them better. The future is for those who believe the results and the future is a blessing to expect the unexpected and turn them to the best interest of everyone!

Associate thought from Buddhist Teachings

Achinthi thampti bawati- Chinthi thampthi winassati

Unexpected will happen and the expected will be destroyed