In today’s fast and complex world, our minds are often lost in memories or worried about future problems. That’s why it feels hard to be fully present in the moment. We set goals and achieve success, yet still feel restless and incomplete. This restlessness often comes from our mind losing its simplicity and drifting away from the present moment.

Simplicity of mind means clearing away unnecessary thoughts and consciously staying in the present. It is both an art and a practice that brings greater peace, clarity, and true joy.

This article will look at the simplicity of the mind, focusing on living in the present moment. To illustrate these ideas, we’ll tell a story showing the contrast between modern stress and the peace of simplicity. The story follows a successful but restless businessman and a humble gardener who lives in each moment.

Through their journey, we’ll uncover the timeless principles of a simple mind and see how they apply today. Finally, we’ll discuss how you can practice living in the present moment in your own life.

The Story of Anandrao and Babukaka

Anandrao was a successful businessman in a big city. He had built his empire with hard work. He owned a big house, an expensive car, and plenty of money in the bank. Yet, he lacked one thing: peace of mind.

As his business grew, so did his worries—about past mistakes, future challenges, competition pressures, and his employees’ needs. His mind raced 24/7.

He couldn’t sleep well at night, couldn’t focus at work, and even his meals were filled with thoughts of the next meeting or yesterday’s losses. For him, the “present moment” was a brief pause before planning the future or reviewing the past.

He was always asking, “What’s next?” and forgot to ask, “What is happening right now?” One day, feeling exhausted and unhappy, Anandrao decided to visit his ancestral village for a few days, hoping for rest.

Near his old family home was a beautiful garden cared for by an elderly gardener named Babukaka. Babukaka had spent his whole life tending that garden.

Even in the village, Anandrao’s mind kept racing at first. Then one morning, he walked into the garden and saw Babukaka watering a young plant.

The old gardener’s full attention was on the plant and the watering can. A calm, satisfied smile was on his face—something Anandrao rarely felt.

Anandrao approached him and said, “Babukaka, your life seems so simple and peaceful. I have everything, yet I never feel this peace.”

Babukaka smiled and pointed to his heart. “Master,” he said gently, “peace lives here (touching his chest), not outside. I focus only on what I’m doing right now.

When I water this plant, I simply water it. I don’t think about whether it will grow tomorrow, or how much water I gave it yesterday. My mind stays in this moment, in this task.”

Hearing this, Anandrao suddenly understood what it meant to live in the present. He took the watering can himself and began to water another plant. At first, his mind darted back to past meetings and future dangers.

But then he deliberately focused on the water flowing from the can, the soil below, and the plant’s leaves. Within moments, a gentle calm washed over him. His restless thoughts quieted. Babukaka’s simple life had shown him the deep wisdom of staying present.

This story shows us that even with great success and wealth, our mind can stay unsettled if it keeps roaming through the past and future. In contrast, the humble gardener finds true peace by giving his full attention to the here and now.

His example invites us to pause our daily rush, turn toward simplicity of mind, and discover the power of the present moment.

Now, let’s explore the lessons from this story and see how they relate to our modern lives.

Principles of simplicity of mind:

Babukaka’s words and way of life reveal key ideas about mental simplicity and living in the moment. By studying these principles, we can learn how to bring them into our modern lives.

1. Here and Now – The Power of the Present Moment:

1. Principle: The only reality is the present moment. The past is gone, and the future is uncertain. All actions and experiences happen now. Being present means focusing on your surroundings, feelings, and activities without distractions.
2. Story Connection: Babukaka focused solely on watering the plant, while Anandrao was distracted by business worries in the garden.
3. Analysis: Dwelling on past regrets or future worries makes us miss the present beauty and power. Being present calms our minds reduces stress, and improves focus.
4. Modern Relevance:
   • Workplace: The fast-paced work environment often leads to multitasking and distractions. Practising mindfulness, concentrating on a single task or turning off phones during meetings can enhance work quality and lower stress.
   • Relationships: Being present with loved ones, such as putting away phones during meals, strengthens connections.
   • Technology: Smartphones and social media distract us from the present. Reducing tech use and engaging in a digital detox allows us to be more present.
   • Mental Health: Anxiety often arises from future worries, while depression can stem from past fixations.

2. Mind’s Simplicity-Reducing Thought Clutter:

1. Principle: Mind simplicity doesn’t mean having no thoughts. It’s about eliminating unnecessary and complicated thoughts to achieve a clear mind. Stop overthinking and concentrate on what truly matters.
2. Story Connection: Anandrao was overwhelmed with business concerns, plans, and past regrets. In contrast, Babukaka maintained a simple focus—concentrating solely on the present task and moment.
3. Analysis: In the modern world, we are overwhelmed with information. New facts, choices, and expectations ensnare our minds in a complex web of thoughts. Simplicity encourages us to take a step back, identify what’s truly important, and disregard the rest.
4. Modern Relevance:
   • Information Overload: With constant access to the internet, news, and social media, we receive information around the clock. Simplicity helps us cut through the noise and find valuable insights, saving our mental energy.
   • Decision Making: An abundance of choices leads to “decision fatigue.” A simple mind clarifies your goals and values, making it easier to make decisions.
   • Consumerism: Contemporary culture urges us to acquire more. This relentless pursuit often leaves us feeling unfulfilled. Simplicity fosters contentment with what we possess and curbs the endless chase.
   • Communication: Confused thoughts can lead to unclear communication. A simple mind enables us to articulate our ideas and emotions clearly, minimizing misunderstandings.

3. Acceptance and Contentment:

1. Principle: A crucial aspect of living in the present is to accept things as they are. Even if reality doesn’t align with our expectations, acceptance is the initial step toward peace. Acceptance is not passive—it involves understanding the situation clearly and responding wisely. With acceptance comes contentment, which is not reliant on material possessions.
2. Story Connection: Babukaka acknowledged the condition of the soil, the weather, and the growth of the plants, and acted accordingly. He didn’t waste time complaining. In contrast, Anandrao remained anxious about past losses and future competition because he couldn’t accept his business situation.
3. Analysis: If we fail to accept the present moment or our circumstances, we create inner turmoil. This turmoil is the source of stress and suffering. When we accept what is, we can perceive things more clearly and take positive actions instead of resisting reality.
4. Modern Relevance:
   • Facing Challenges: Life frequently presents unexpected difficulties—such as job loss, health problems, and relationship issues. Initially, acceptance may seem challenging. However, once we accept, our minds settle, allowing us to concentrate on solutions rather than escaping.
   • Personal Growth: Acknowledging our limitations and mistakes is essential for growth. When we accept ourselves as we are, our self-esteem improves.
   • Improving Relationships: Accepting others as they are enhances connections. It’s easier to understand people than to attempt to change them.
   • Redefining Happiness: Modern society associates happiness with outside influences—wealth, popularity, achievement. Acceptance and simplicity teach us to find contentment in what we already possess. They encourage us to appreciate small joys in the present instead of pursuing large rewards.

4. Meditation in Action- Experiencing Simplicity:

1. Principle: Mindfulness is not merely about sitting in silence with your eyes shut. It involves engaging in any task with complete focus and awareness. Even basic activities—such as cooking, walking, or doing dishes—can become peaceful and fulfilling when you are fully engaged.
2. Story Connection: For Babukaka, tending to the garden served as his meditation. He was entirely focused while watering the plants or pulling weeds. As Anandrao tried to water the plants, he found himself in a state of “meditation in action,” and he observed his mind becoming calm.
3. Analysis: Focusing on a single task helps us escape distractions, leading to a ‘flow state’ where we lose track of time and feel deeply satisfied without stress.
4. Modern Relevance:
   • Work Concentration: In the office, meditation in action helps you focus on tasks like writing emails, coding, or preparing reports. Focusing on one task at a time boosts quality and speed.
   • Everyday Life: Routine chores such as cooking, laundry, or cleaning may seem dull. But when you do them mindfully and with full attention, they become relaxing and satisfying.
   • Physical Activity: Being aware of your body sensations and your breathing while walking, running, or exercising benefits both physical and mental well-being.
   • Arts and Hobbies: Engaging in activities like painting, music, writing, or any hobby acts as a powerful form of meditation in action. It boosts creativity and happiness.

The Importance of Simplicity of Mind and Being Present:

The story of Anandrao and Babukaka shows that simplicity of mind and living in the present aren’t just for special situations—they touch the heart of being human. These ideas teach us that true peace and happiness don’t come from external things but from our inner state and how we perceive life.

Babukaka’s way of living may seem ideal, but his principles are practical and achievable today with changes in our habits and mindset. Calming our busy minds won’t happen overnight, but with steady effort and awareness, it is possible.

In our complex, competitive, and distracting world, simplicity of mind and present-moment awareness are more important than ever. It helps us work better, improve our relationships, and truly experience life. When our mind is calm and focused on the present, we think more clearly, make better decisions, and face challenges with courage.

Simplicity of mind shows us how to step out of the noise of thoughts and live. It reminds us that instead of chasing happiness, we can find it in the small moments we often overlook.

Modern Relevance of Simplicity of Mind:

The simplicity of mind and the art of living in the present have been taught for thousands of years through various spiritual teachings and philosophies. In our current digital world, being constantly connected and overwhelmed by information distracts us more than ever before. It makes those age-old teachings even more crucial today.

Many individuals, like Anandrao, pursue outside achievements and lose their inner calm. They only come to understand the true significance of the “here and now” when they encounter someone like Babukaka or enjoy simple experiences. Living in the moment does not imply that you should never consider the future.

It means that when you do think about the future, you should be fully conscious of that thought. When you are working, immerse yourself in your tasks. When you are resting, be entirely present in your relaxation.

This ability to adapt mentally and maintain focused attention is the essence of a simple mind.

Conclusion:

1. The current moment is the only time we genuinely live; the past and future are just in our minds.
2. A clear mind involves removing unnecessary thoughts for better clarity.
3. Accepting reality as it is lowers stress and helps us find answers.
4. Completing any simple task with full attention brings a sense of calmness similar to meditation.
5. Being in the moment and maintaining a clear mind is crucial for reducing stress and enhancing joy and satisfaction in today’s world.

Embracing simplicity and presence takes mindful effort and won’t happen overnight. Take a few moments daily to focus on your breath, savour your food, or notice your surroundings while walking—these practices enhance presence.

The story of Anandrao and Babukaka teaches us that true wealth is found not in material possessions but in our inner peace.

The ability to live in the present stems from a clear mind, and this ability allows us to lead a calmer, more fulfilling, and meaningful life. Let’s start today by being completely present in this moment—right here and now—and discover the true strength of a clear mind.