The teacher gave the student a letter with instructions to open it after his death and show it to his successor. The letter said, “I treated this student poorly.” When the student heard its contents, he was filled with sadness and said:
- He was so generous that his kindness towards me seemed to him cruelty, in comparison with the Greatest Kindness that is possible in the world.
A year or so later, the successor again invited the student and asked him to comment on the letter again.
“Now I understand,” said the student, “that the words “treated badly” were absolutely true. Ordinary people show a friendly disposition when they have nothing more valuable to share. What does it matter to us whether the Giver of Treasures is kind or cruel? If the Sultan's slave is distributing gold, does it matter whether he smiles or frowns at the time? Someone with the best intentions may offer sweets. The doctor uses the medicine that heals, no matter how it may seem to people, bitter or sweet.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru