Buddha’s Response

There used to be a village-chief who did not like Buddha’s way of life. He used to look upon him as a lazy person who was gathering round him young men and making them lead an idle life. Buddha who was aware of the man’s attitude, went to his house one day with his disciples and begged for alms “Bhavathi! Bhikshaam Dehi” (Oh blessed one! offer me alms). The headman, who had espied Buddha approaching the house and begging for alms, shouted: “You lazy fellow! You don’t deserve any alms. Get out! You have been wasting your time.” The headman went on abusing Buddha, calling him all kinds of names. Buddha was amused and was smiling.

After exhausting his abuses, the headman calmed down and asked Buddha, “Sire! I have a doubt. Will you clear it?” Buddha said, “What is your doubt? Speak out.” The headman asked how Buddha had remained unaffected by all the abuse he had leveled against the latter. Buddha said, “I came to you begging for food. Supposing you had brought the food and I had refused to take it, what would you have done with the food?” The man replied, “I would have taken it back.” Buddha then said, “Now, instead of food, you gave me all your abuse. I refused to receive it. What happens to it? It goes back to you. I have no connection with it.” The headman learned a good lesson.

You should not be concerned with the goodness or badness of others. You have to entertain good thoughts and direct your mind towards God. Experiencing oneness with the divine begets bliss.

Source: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 25