The Buddha's disciple was about to go to spread the teachings in a very troubled place, no one had ever gone there before. Having learned about this, the Buddha asked him:
— Before you make a final decision, answer me three questions. First question: did you know that the people of that area are very cruel and easily angered? It is dangerous to go to them, so none of my students went there. If you get insulted, and they do, how are you going to react? What will happen in your heart?
The student replied:
“You know quite clearly what will happen in my heart, because you know my heart - you are my heart!” But I will answer: if they insult me, deep in my heart I will feel gratitude to them for the fact that they only insulted me, and could even beat me.
Buddha said:
- Okay. Now the second question. If they beat you, how will you feel towards them?
The student replied:
“You know quite clearly, I will be grateful to them because they only beat me, but they could have killed me.”
Buddha said:
- Now the third question. If they kill you, what will you think about them, how will you react?
And the student replied:
- You know quite clearly. But since you ask, I will answer you. If they kill me, I will be grateful to them because they will give me the greatest opportunity, the greatest challenge. Maybe this way they will free me from slavery.
Buddha said:
- Now you can go. I'm calm for you. Wherever you go, you will radiate my energy and bring my love and compassion to people.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru