Forbearance will Overcome Hatred

[Guest guest]

Buddha was walking along the country-side begging for alms. He was

approaching a village. Many people in that village had a great

affection for Buddha. But just before he reached the outskirts of the

village, some young rowdies loitering along the road began to jeer at

him. A little surprised at this reception, Buddha stopped and sat

down on a rock. He said to them, " Well, gentlemen, what pleasure do

you derive from criticizing me? " Without giving any reason, they

increased their denunciation of Buddha. Buddha said, " Continue as

long as you want. " They berated and reviled him to a point where they

got tired of their own invective. Buddha's forbearance was so well

developed that their hatred could not touch him. At first they were

having a good time, but finally, having exhausted themselves without

getting the reaction they wanted, they decided to go away.

 

As they were walking away, Buddha called out to them, " Children, I

want to tell you something. In the village just beyond here, there

are many people who love me very much. If they were to hear that you

have been denouncing me in this vile way, they would cut you to

pieces. In order to save you from that danger, I have stayed here on

this rock and allowed you to criticize me. In that way I have given

you a gift. Without spending a single cent, without making any

effort, I have been able to give you so much enjoyment by allowing

you to berate me. Rather than feel unhappy with your criticism, I am

glad because I have been able to give you some pleasure and spare you

from serious harm. "

 

Then Buddha explained yet another important point to them in a way

that made an indelible impression on their hearts. " Suppose a poor

monk comes to your house and asks for alms. You bring some food out

to him. But suppose the type of food you are offering is ritually

impure and not acceptable by the monk. What will happen then? Since

he has not accepted your offer, you will have to take it back and it

will remain with you. Similarly, you are offering me all this

criticism. These are the alms you are trying to give me. But I have

not accepted your offerings. Well then, you will have to keep them;

they remain with you. So you see, all your criticisms are really just

being redirected to yourselves. You are not criticizing me at all! "

 

One can send a letter by registered post to a friend. If the friend

does not accept this registered letter, what will the Postal

Department do with the letter? It will redirect it back to the person

who sent it. If you are criticizing someone but this person does not

accept your criticism, then inevitably the criticism comes back to

you. Do not think that by voicing the jealousy and hatred you may be

feeling, that you will be troubling those to whom these odious

sentiments are directed. In truth, you will only be troubling

yourself. Jealousy and hatred will create great difficulties for the

one who is infected with them. Jealousy and hatred spring from egoism.