(Photo source: Pexels)
The Buddha warned us that the intensity of anger overshadows that of a blazing fire. Many a person has committed a wrongful action under the influence of anger. When one is overcome by rage and acts with total disregard for others, one ends up hurting both oneself and others.
If we hope to maintain a placid state of mind no matter what type of situation we encounter and be gentle and affable at all times, we must harbour only very gentle and kind thoughts. And such thoughts originate from a compassionate heart.
One day, when two of Buddha’s disciples Shariputra and Rahula, were out asking for alms, they met a group of hooligans. The troublemakers put sand and mud into Shariputra’s alms bowl and hit out at Rahula, causing blood to trickle down his face. Both Shariputra and Rahula paid no heed to them and walked away.
Shariputra told Rahula: “Do not get angry. We must have pity for all living beings and give rise to compassion in our hearts. This is what the Buddha has taught us.”
He further added that the obstacles that they encountered on their path of cultivation would aid them in their spiritual progress.
With tears streaming down his face, Rahula replied, “I am neither angry, nor am I resentful. I am grateful to the Buddha, who taught me the virtues of compassion and tolerance. The Buddha devoted his entire life to teaching the Dharma, yet living beings remain rooted in their obstinate ways. Their hearts are filled with hate and enmity, and they lord over the meek and bully the weak.
All disasters under the sky and unrest in society are brought about by people who lack tolerance and kindness towards others. My tears flow, only because I pity them!”
If every one of us can be like Shariputra and Rahula, viewing the people and circumstances around us in our daily lives with understanding and compassion, our thoughts will naturally be gentle, calm, and clear. Even when faced with adverse circumstances, we are able to exercise tolerance and not react with harsh words and looks of anger and displeasure. Viewing those who do evil with compassion, we will not give rise to thoughts of anger and hatred.
If everyone in our society can treat one another with tolerance and compassionate understanding, how can there be an opportunity for unrest and disasters to arise? Our society will definitely be one where everyone lives happily and blessings abound.
Translated by the Tzu Chi Singapore translation team
Share 
