Reducing
Hostility through Kindness
The Buddha Sakyamuni had
often told his disciples that in order to live in harmony and hence be able to
concentrate on their cultivation, they would have to be respectful and
forgiving towards one another. Yet, disputes and conflicts still could not be avoided
in the Sangha community as a result of differences in individual opinions.
One day, two bikshus had an
argument which developed into a serious quarrel. When mediation by the rest of
the community proved unsuccessful, the matter was brought before the Buddha.
Seeing the fiery rage on the angry faces of the two bikshus, the Buddha
assembled his disciples and told the following parable:
‘Once there was a
yaksa who was small and hideous. One day, the yaksa came to Trayastrimsa Heaven
and took liberty to sit on the throne that belonged to Sovereign Sakra. The
moment the yaksa did so, all the celestial beings of Trayastrimsa were incensed
and rebuked him bitterly for his impudence. At the same time, however, the
yaksa grew taller in stature and became better looking. When the celestial
beings saw the change, they became even more furious, while the yaksa kept
transforming into a handsome well-built form.
At a loss of what to do
with the situation, the celestial beings brought this to the attention of
Sovereign Sakra who immediately thought: “ This yaksa must be someone
extraordinary!” Thereupon, the Sovereign came to the yaksa, and with
clasped hands, respectfully said three times: “ Virtuous one, I am
Sovereign Sakra, the god of Trayastrimsa Heaven.”
Due to the
Sovereign’s humility, the yaksa’s arrogance was incited, and as it
increased, so his previous ugly face and small stature resumed until he finally
disappeared. Sovereign Sakra then ascended his throne to address the
celestials: “ From now on, you must never breed anger. If someone is
hostile to you or treats you unkindly, be cautious with your reaction. Do not
add anger onto anger. If someone should offend you, do not avenge the offense;
instead, treat the offender with kindness. Learn from those who do not have
anger or hostility in them, for they are the virtuous and saintly ones. All
those who are intemperate are clouded by arrogance. Exercising a little control
over your own egoistic emotions that have run wild is like bringing a fierce
horse under its reins. This is the Dharma of kindness.”’
The Buddha looked at his
disciples and continued: “ A heavenly god who is used to enjoying exceptional
pleasures and powers could yet control his anger and extol good temperament.
Should all of you not be even more like this because you have joined the Sangha
to learn the Way? You must really learn from this example of Sovereign Sakra of
Trayastrimsa Heaven!”
[To resolve hostility by being angry is like
pouring hot water on the boil or adding oil to fire – it will never
cease. Only when the water of compassion is sprinkled would the flame of anger
be extinguished.]