The Gift  Of Anger

There was a Brahmin who dismissed the Buddha’s teachings as he had faith in different practice. When his seven sons and daughters-in-law converted to Buddhism and practiced meditation, he became very mad and believed the Buddha was the reason why they changed from the old belief.

The Brahmin stormed into the temple where the Buddha was staying at that time and lashed out at him, calling him offensive names. The Buddha, however, remained peaceful and happy, unruffled by his insults. When he saw the Brahmin began to get tired, the Buddha asked him a question.

“Brahmin, what’s your purpose of the visit?”

The Brahmin repeated his cursing at the Buddha until he was tired again.

“Well, Brahmin, let me ask you a question. Have you ever had a visitor at your house?” the Buddha asked.

“Yes, but what’s your business?” was his reply.

The Buddha continued, “Have your guests brought you snacks, foods, or gifts?”

“Yes, certainly.”

“But if you don’t want those gifts, who will have them?”

“Obviously, the person who brought them.”

The Venerable One said, “Now then, you’re my guest and you’re bringing me the gift of anger. I won’t take it.

Therefore those rude words belong to you.”

The Brahmin was intrigued at the Buddha’s words and wisdom. “Buddha, where have you learned to not accept

the gift of anger?”

With compassion, the Perfected One began teaching him about Dhamma. The Brahmin then accepted the Buddha as his teacher and eventually became a Buddhist.