|
|
Main Menu
Home
About
Us Committee
Members Daily
Activities Map
to PBHP Questions
and Answers Youth
Section
Dhamma Menu
Food for Thought - Part
1 Part 2
Part 3
Reflection Series:
1999 issues - Jul
Aug Nov/Dec
2000 issues - Jan
Oct
Others: - Ullambana
No one person in Samsara is free from the following 8 Worldly Conditions :
* Gain and Loss * Happiness and Pain * Praise and Blame * Fame and Dishonour
When we constantly reflect on this, we can build up our mental strength and cope much better with the ups and downs of life. Think of the trees that live on so naturally and peacefully in the four seasons : spring, summer, autumn and winter. In times when we are fortunate to have gain, benefits, happiness, pleasure , praise, fame, recognition or honour, do not be overwhelmed and get sucked into attachment. Learn to observe these changing states and experiences. Like all conditioned things, they will pass.
Likewise, when we face or encounter problems, adversities, conflicts, misfortunes and hardship, let us learn to be patient, understanding, tolerant and courageous. Watch that mind of ours ; learn not to react. We should just try our best to solve the problems.
These negative states too will pass.
I remember an old lady devottee in our Association. She is a friend of mine. A few years ago, she used to join our Pali Chanting Sessions and I sometimes gave her lifts home. She must have been in her seventies. One day, she approached me . Our conversation went on something like this :
Mdm. X : Bro. Oh, I am very angry; somebody told me that there is a certain person who used to criticize my clothes at my back; she says that the clothes I wear are not proper ( ‘bu chuan yan’ ); this busybody ! Hasn’t she got nothing better to do than talk about people’s clothes ? She is here to pray to Buddha, isn’t it ? I want you to tell me who this person is and I’ll give her a piece of my mind !
( I realized I had to tell Mdm X some Dhamma points )
Me : Auntie, you are much older than me but I am going to say something you may not like; you may be angry with me .You should not be so sensitive over such things; do not react. For one thing, you are not even sure whether there is a person who commented about you; it’s heresay and you are getting upset ( and ruining your health !) over nothing.
Now, even if it’s true there was this person who said things about you, SO WHAT ? She is the one practising wrong speech, not you . Remain unperturbed; let your mind be peaceful. Do you know that even Buddha, The Enlightened One was blamed , abused and accused of wrong doings ? He remained calm, peaceful and steady in His mind . The truth prevailed in the end . Think : if even an Enlightened One is blamed, what more about we worldlings full of defilements ?
( Mdm X calmed down ; she seemed to accept what I said. She even appeared relieved !)
Mdm. X : Is it so ? How come I don’t know about this ?
Me : Well, it’s written in the Buddhist Scriptures. You can read about it if you wish.
( I thought everything was settled. A few weeks later, Mdm. X confronted me again . )
Mdm. X : Bro. Oh, I am angry! I want you to tell me which lady commented about my clothes !
( Back to Square One !)
Dhamma Points for Contemplation
We foolishly dwell on things of the past and bring about DUKKHA. Be with THE MOMENT.
May You Be Well And Happy !
