There are many forms of media in this day and age which present abuse to us. Vitriol, invective, revilement, these things are witnessed on radio, television, social media and even the smartphone. Face to face abuse is not uncommon when people have hatred and jealousy. Here is an episode from the life of the Buddha, as told by Sai Baba, about jealousy, hatred and abuse.
The Lesson Taught By Buddha
It is only because of jealousy man is exposed to restlessness. Once Gauthama Buddha started on a visit to some villages seeking alms. He was about to reach the village, where he had to go. All the villagers in that village had great faith in Buddha. Just before Buddha approached the village, some miscreants stopped him and abused him badly. But, Buddha was not perturbed in the least and sat down calmly on a stone slab.
He questioned them “My dears! What pleasure do you derive in abusing me?” They did not give a reply, but continued their tirade against him more vigorously. Buddha did not react even then. He continued to sit non-chalantly, happily enjoying the fun. Unable to provoke Buddha into reaction, the miscreants got tired at last and were about to leave that place. Then Buddha called them back and told them “My dear sons! In that village nearby, all the people are greatly devoted to me. Had you behaved like this after my reaching that village, then you would have been cut into pieces. Therefore, I sat down here to allow you continue your tirade against me, in order to save you from that danger.
If we want to make others happy, we have to strive in so many ways. We may have to spend some money also. But, today, without spending even a copper and without making even the slightest effort, I am able to provide so much happiness to you. How much happy today I am ! If you feel happy to ridicule me, am I not the cause for that happiness? Somehow or the other, I am able to give you happiness and joy. That is my greatest satisfaction. Many people build choultries, dharmasalas, etc., (halls, bungalows, huts) and arrange to dig wells to provide happiness and joy to others. But, today, without making any effort at all, I am able to provide happiness and joy to you. I am really proud of myself”.
He also taught them another lesson which made a lasting impression in their minds. He told them, “My dear sons! A beggar came to your house and asked for food. You brought something which was not to his liking. Therefore, he refused to take it. Then, to whom does it belong? Obviously, it is your material and you have to take it back, since he refused to accept it. Similarly, when you abuse somebody and the other man ignores it totally sitting in absolute silence, then the abuse returns to you in full. It means, you are abusing yourself.”
A small example. Suppose you have sent a registered letter to a friend of yours and he refused to accept it. Then, the postal department will not keep it with them. They will return it to you, the sender. Similarly, if you abuse or criticise somebody and the other person ignores it, then it will come back to you as it is. Therefore, it is mean and foolish to think that we are able to hurt others by our hatred and jealousy. Instead, We are hurting ourselves.
Sri Sathya Sai, Bhagavad Gita, vol 2, op cit.
