Has anyone ever shared a story with you and for some reason the story sticks with you forever? Well it happened to me during one of my yoga training classes. A fellow instructor shared a story how an old, close friend of hers betrayed her, and then lied to others about her. When she confronted her old friend, the friend became angry and said some really hurtful things. Our fellow instructor was in tears when sharing this story with us, but she told us, that even though she was friends for many years with this person she reminded herself of a story of Buddha, which gave her peace. Prior to this I had never heard this story of Buddha before, but I think of it often and it does give you peace at the times you may be feeling bad. So I found the story and wanted to share it with all of you hoping that it may help you in a time of need.
One day, Akkosaka heard that someone from his religion had
converted to be a Buddhist monk. Enraged, he stomped off to curse the
Enlightened One with harsh words in person. After letting off his steam, the
Buddha had a calm conversation with him (as abridged) - 'Do friends come to you
as guests?' 'Yes.' 'Do you serve them delicacies?' 'Yes, sometimes I
do.' 'If they don't accept them, to whom do they belong?' 'They would be mine.'
'Likewise, that with which you have insulted me, I do not accept
- it is all yours. Whoever returns insult to one who insults is said
to be sharing company with that person, which I do not.'
Hearing this, Akkosaka assumed he was displeased, to which the Buddha replied, 'Where is anger from one free of anger, who has his mind tamed and equanimous, who is liberated with right understanding, who is tranquil? One worsens matters by flaring up at another who flared up. Whoever doesn't flare up at another doubly wins a battle difficult to win, benefiting oneself and the another. Understanding another's anger, one mindfully maintains one's peace. When one does so to heal the illness of anger for both, those who think one is a fool do not know the Dharma.' Hearing this, Akkosaka remarked at the magnificence of the Buddha's teaching, and ordained as a monk to learn from him, thereafter attaining Nirvana (as an Arahant)!
Hearing this, Akkosaka assumed he was displeased, to which the Buddha replied, 'Where is anger from one free of anger, who has his mind tamed and equanimous, who is liberated with right understanding, who is tranquil? One worsens matters by flaring up at another who flared up. Whoever doesn't flare up at another doubly wins a battle difficult to win, benefiting oneself and the another. Understanding another's anger, one mindfully maintains one's peace. When one does so to heal the illness of anger for both, those who think one is a fool do not know the Dharma.' Hearing this, Akkosaka remarked at the magnificence of the Buddha's teaching, and ordained as a monk to learn from him, thereafter attaining Nirvana (as an Arahant)!
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