A Lesson From Buddha: How to Remain Calm in Difficult Situations?

In the past, Gautama Buddha got out into the world carrying a bowl of begging to get a bite of food for the day. The lady of the house came out and gave Buddha some cooked food as soon as he appeared in front of it. Buddha accepted it, paid her a thank you, and then departed.

Buddha happened to be traveling through a new village one day. He went to one of the houses and knocked on the door. The housekeeper was a bitter individual. She was furious when she saw a monk with a begging bowl at her door.

She began to abuse him. “Shirker!” She yelled, “You want to eat food without working for it.”

Buddha remained motionless.

“You appear healthy enough to work. You fool, why don’t you work?” She yelled.

The woman continued to humiliate Buddha and disparage him. Buddha listened to her without responding, waiting for her to finish. Finally, she stopped to take a breather. After that, she inquired, “Why are you standing like a stone? Monk, why don’t you say something?” She mocked.

“An offering has been made, Mother. But who does it belong to if it is rejected?” Buddha inquired.

The woman said impatiently, “I will offer you nothing! You lazy monk.”

Buddha said gently, “Mother, you have been simultaneously offering me whatever you have since I came to your door.”

The woman was educated. The monk was referring to the abuses she inflicted on him, and she knew immediately.

“And your question is, what will happen if the offering is rejected?”

“Who does it belong to?” Buddha helped her finish the sentence.

The message reached the woman. She fell at the feet of Buddha. She entered the house and brought him some food. Buddha thanked her before continuing.

Moral of A Lesson From Buddha: How to Remain Calm in Difficult Situations?

We should be mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions toward others. Our behavior and treatment towards others can either create positive or negative energy, which will eventually come back to us.