The Power Within our Heart.

Hiding the Secret

Many, many years ago, when the earth was young, the legends tell us that all human beings were like gods, but they became very haughty and proud, and so abused their god-like nature that Brahma, the chief god, decided to take it away from them and hide it where it could never be found. He called together a council of the lesser gods to ask their advice.

“I think we should hide it in some dark forest where human beings have never set foot,” said one. “They will never find it there.”

“Oh yes they will,” replied Brahma. “One day, every mile of the earth will be colonized by human beings. They are sure to find it in a forest.”

“Then we must bury it deep in the earth,” said another. “They will never find it there.”

“Oh yes they will,” said Brahma. “One day they will dig mines for gold and precious stones, and they will surely come across it in the earth.”

“Then we must bury it in the ocean,” advised a third. “The ocean is so vast that no human being will ever be able to explore its depths completely.”

“Oh yes they will,” said Brahma, becoming impatient with the poor advice. “One day they will build submarines and travel to the bottom of the deepest oceans. And before you suggest it, they’ll find it on the highest mountain.”

Suddenly, Brahma’s face lit up. He had an idea. “I know what we’ll do. I know where we can put it where it will never be found.”

“Where’s that?”

“Deep inside the human heart! Nobody will ever think of looking there!”

This story comes from Eric Butterworth’s book, Discover the Power Within You: A Guide to the Unexplored Depths Within. For Butterworth and those who think like him—including Hindus, Sufis, Gnostics and Mystics—looking within to find God—or the Source—is the whole purpose of the spiritual life.