The Two Friends and the Path to Ordination
(A Story about Friendship, Understanding, and New Beginnings)
In a peaceful village nestled between mountains and rivers, there were two best friends named Arun and Nanda. They had known each other since they were little, and together, they shared countless adventures—climbing trees, playing by the river, and wandering through the forests around their home. They were inseparable.
But as they grew older, their paths began to diverge. While Nanda loved the village life—its noise, its celebrations, and the sense of community—Arun started to feel a deep pull towards a quieter, more peaceful way of life. He often spent time at the nearby monastery, drawn to the teachings of the monks, the calm atmosphere, and the wisdom they shared.
One afternoon, as they sat by their favorite spot by the river, Arun turned to Nanda with a serious look in his eyes.
“Nanda,” he said softly, “I have something important to tell you.”
Nanda, sensing the weight of his friend’s words, put down the pebble he had been skipping across the water and looked at Arun with curiosity.
“I’ve decided to become a monk,” Arun continued. “I feel like it’s my path. I want to be ordained and follow the teachings of the Buddha.”
Nanda’s eyes widened in surprise. “A monk? But why, Arun? You love exploring the world with me, don’t you? If you become a monk, everything will change. We won’t be able to play like we used to.”
Arun smiled gently. “Yes, things will change. But it’s a change I feel ready for. I’ve been searching for something deeper, something that gives my life a sense of peace and purpose. The monks have taught me that by letting go of distractions, I can find a clearer mind and heart. I think this is what I need.”
Nanda frowned. He didn’t want to lose his best friend to the quiet life of a monastery. He couldn’t understand why Arun would want to give up the joys of the world they had always enjoyed together.
“What about all the fun we have? The festivals, the games, the laughter?” Nanda asked, a hint of sadness in his voice. “Won’t you miss all of that?”
Arun nodded thoughtfully. “I will, of course. But I’ve realized that happiness doesn’t just come from having fun. True happiness comes from within, from understanding who you are and finding peace in your heart. That’s what I want to learn as a monk.”
Days passed, and Nanda struggled with the idea of his friend becoming ordained. He felt a mix of emotions—sadness, confusion, and even a little anger. How could Arun leave their life behind so easily? Nanda wasn’t ready for that change.
One evening, Nanda decided to visit the monastery to talk to one of the elder monks. He hoped they could help him understand what Arun was going through.
When he arrived, the elder monk greeted him warmly and invited him to sit by the temple’s garden.
“I can see that something is troubling you,” the monk said kindly. “Tell me, what is on your mind?”
Nanda took a deep breath and explained how he felt about Arun’s decision to become a monk. “I don’t understand why he wants to leave everything behind. How can he be happy without the things we love doing together?”
The monk smiled, his eyes wise and gentle. “It’s natural to feel that way when someone we care about chooses a different path. But let me ask you this, Nanda—do you believe that Arun is making this decision because it brings him peace and happiness?”
Nanda thought for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, he told me that it feels like the right path for him.”
The monk continued, “True friendship is about supporting one another, even when our paths are different. Arun’s journey to ordination doesn’t mean he’s leaving you behind. It means he’s growing in a new direction. And you, as his friend, can grow with him, by understanding and supporting his choices.”
Nanda felt a small flicker of understanding begin to grow in his heart. “But what if we’re not as close as we used to be?”
The monk placed a hand on Nanda’s shoulder. “Friendship is not always about doing the same things. It’s about being there for one another, even when life takes you down different roads. Arun’s decision may change how you spend time together, but it doesn’t change the bond you share. In fact, this new journey may deepen your friendship in ways you didn’t expect.”
The day of Arun’s ordination arrived, and the village gathered at the monastery to witness the ceremony. Nanda stood among the crowd, watching as his best friend shaved his head and donned the saffron robes of a monk. There was a quiet calm in Arun’s face, a peace that Nanda had never seen before.
As the ceremony concluded, Arun looked out at the crowd and his eyes met Nanda’s. In that moment, Nanda understood something important—Arun hadn’t left their friendship behind. He had simply chosen a new way to live his life, one that brought him pace and purpose.
After the ceremony, Nanda approached Arun. “I’m proud of you,” he said, his voice full of sincerity. “I didn’t understand before, but now I see that this is what makes you happy. And as your friend, I’ll always support you.”
Arun smiled, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Nanda. Our friendship means the world to me. And even though my life is changing, I’m still here for you—always.”
From that day on, Nanda visited the monastery often. Though they no longer went on the same adventures, their friendship grew in new ways. Nanda learned to appreciate the quiet moments they shared, talking about life, the stars, and the peacefulness of the world around them.
And in time, Nanda came to realize that true friendship isn’t about always walking the same path—it’s about being there for each other, no matter where life takes you.
Lesson: This story teaches children about the beauty of supporting a friend’s journey, even when it differs from their own. True friendship is about understanding, patience, and growing together, even when life leads you down different paths.