The Wounds We Choose.

I was reminded of a story this morning; one in which the Buddha, himself, was questioned on the value he brings.

As the story is told, the Buddha sat peacefully in meditation, as villagers from near and far gathered at ‘the awakened ones’ feet. They were enamored of him, transfixed by the possibility that transcendence was within their reach.

Except for one; a bitterly old miser, who upon the site felt free to offer his ‘perspective.’

“Who do you think you are,” he snarled. “Sitting lordly upon that cushion. What gives you the right to believe you’ve experience enough to teach? In the end, like the others, you’ll take advantage of these impoverished fools.”

But the Buddha remained unbothered by the surly man’s comments; instead exuding an energy of loving-kindness and peace.

The man grew enraged by what he perceived as indifference. “Don’t just sit there. Answer, me!” he hissed. ”

“Tell me,” the Buddha asked, motioning the old man closer. “If someone offers you a gift which you refuse to accept, to whom does that gift then belong?”

The odd question took the man quite by surprise. Puzzled, he offered, “Why, I guess it would be mine as I was the one who originally bought it.”

“Exactly,” smiled the Buddha. “And so, this anger – much like the gift – remains yours.”

You see, the Buddha understood where so many struggled. That is to say, the ‘wound’ extends only as far as spirit will allow. The energy of fear, distrust, anger – though unsettling, are only ours if we choose to accept the ‘gift.’

That’s not to say, that there isn’t some aspect of the experience which might help to impart clarity and wisdom, though – we must be ever-mindful as to how the energy might be used.

As well…

Though we may not be able to control the immensity of our surroundings – we are able to select which ‘surroundings’ enter in.

Just like today…

I can become chilled to the bone by this incessant autumn rain or – I can notice a young father explaining the wonder of raindrops to his newborn baby girl.

Likewise…

We can reflect upon the injustice caused by another, or – we can lose ourselves amidst the pattern of speckled leaves.

Which do you choose, my loves?

For me, I shall always choose inner peace.

Namaste ❤️

About

Tara Lemieux is a mindful wanderer, and faithful stargazer. Although she often appears to be listening with great care, rest assured she is most certainly‘forever lost in thought. She is an ardent explorer and lover of finding things previously undiscovered or at the very least mostly not-uncovered.

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