[Sophie]

In a serene village nestled between misty mountains lived a wise Zen master named Ryu.

Ryu was known throughout the land for his calm demeanor and insightful teachings. 

One day a troubled villager named Kira approached him with a heavy heart. "Master Ryu", Kira sighed. "I am surrounded by toxic people. Their negativity weighs me down and I feel trapped in their web of bitterness." 

Ryu looked at Kira kindly and gestured for him to sit.

"Tell me Kira, have you observed the lotus flowers in the pond near the village?"

Kira nodded, slightly puzzled by the sudden change of topic.

"Yes, Master Ryu. The lotus flowers are beautiful and pure despite growing in the mud."

"Exactly", Ryu smiled. "The lotus flower teaches us a valuable lesson about dealing with toxic people. Just as the lotus rises above the mud to bloom in the sunlight, we can rise above the negativity of toxic individuals."

Kira frowned, still not fully understanding. "But Master Ryu, how can I rise above when their toxicity keeps pulling me down?"

Ryu paused, allowing the gentle breeze to carry his words. "Imagine that your mind is like the still surface of the pond and the toxic people are like pebbles being thrown into the water. The initial ripples represent their negativity affecting you. But if you let those ripples settle the surface becomes calm again."

Kira's eyes widened with realization. "So, Master Ryu. You mean to say that I should not let their words and actions disturb my inner peace?"

"Indeed", Ryu nodded. "Toxic people thrive on reactions. If you react to their negativity, you give them power over your emotions. Instead, practice compassion. Just as the lotus extracts nourishment from the mud, see if you can find understanding and empathy for the pain that might be causing their toxicity."

Kira pondered this for a moment. "But what if their negativity becomes too overwhelming?"

"Ah", Ryu said. "That's when you must practice detachment. Imagine you are the sky, and their toxicity is merely a passing cloud. Observe it without judgment and let it drift away. Remember their actions are a reflection of them not of you."

With a newfound sense of clarity, Kira thanked Master Ryu and left, carrying the wisdom of the lotus with him. Days turned into weeks and Kira applied the Zen master's teachings in his interactions with toxic individuals. Slowly he realized that he no longer felt trapped by their negativity. Instead, he had cultivated a sense of peace within himself that remained untouched by external turmoil. One morning Kira returned to the Zen master with a heart full of gratitude.

"Master Ryu, your teachings have transformed my life. I no longer allow toxic people to disturb my inner peace. Just like the lotus, I rise above the mud." 

Ryu smiled warmly. "You have embraced the essence of the lotus, Kira. Remember, the lotus does not try to change the mud, but rather it transforms itself through resilience and grace."

And so, in the village surrounded by misty mountains, the wisdom of the Zen master spread like ripples on a pond reminding all who encountered it that inner peace and compassion can help one rise above even the most toxic of circumstances.

"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c029qPRSmnQ"