Read this really good article while in college. Has some thoughtful notes on life and makes a good read.
A Monk was walking with his disciples. A group of villagers approached him and reprimanded him as a lot of youngsters had become his disciples. After patiently listening to them, he said, “My disciples in the next village are awaiting my discourse, so please allow me to go. On my return you can present whatever complaints you have against me?” These words were uttered gently and with no hint of hostility.
The villagers were shocked and asked, “Are you not upset by our harsh words? You listen to our accusations as though we were complementing you.” The Monk answered their question with a question, “As a monk I am not supposed to take food twice on any day. Suppose you are not aware of this and after treating me to a lunch, you also prepare dinner for me. You look forward to my company at dinner and in turn, I don’t come. Would your food go waste?”. The villagers replied, “No, we would distribute the meal amongst ourselves.” The Monk continued his reply, “In the same way, whatever criticism you heaped on me, would remain with you, as I am not taking it on myself. So I am not hurt.”
A Monk was walking with his disciples. A group of villagers approached him and reprimanded him as a lot of youngsters had become his disciples. After patiently listening to them, he said, “My disciples in the next village are awaiting my discourse, so please allow me to go. On my return you can present whatever complaints you have against me?” These words were uttered gently and with no hint of hostility.
The villagers were shocked and asked, “Are you not upset by our harsh words? You listen to our accusations as though we were complementing you.” The Monk answered their question with a question, “As a monk I am not supposed to take food twice on any day. Suppose you are not aware of this and after treating me to a lunch, you also prepare dinner for me. You look forward to my company at dinner and in turn, I don’t come. Would your food go waste?”. The villagers replied, “No, we would distribute the meal amongst ourselves.” The Monk continued his reply, “In the same way, whatever criticism you heaped on me, would remain with you, as I am not taking it on myself. So I am not hurt.”
The Monk continued on his way. On the way he told his disciples, “I am feeling very hot.” The disciples were shocked since it was a very cold day. He continued: “I am not talking of the external heat. I see in your minds there is so much anger at the way the villagers behaved. Instead of being compassionate, you are all upset, and it is that heat that I am sensing now.”
He explained, "There are two types of actions.
1. The actions of our body.
2. The actions of our thoughts and feelings."
a
The Monk continued, "What determines the quality of our life is the movement of thoughts and feelings. More than negative experiences, it is the negative interpretations of the negative experiences that affect our life. So do not allow disturbing thoughts to control and ruin your life."
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