Be Free from External Factors

Sometimes when I'm busy with work, I might forget about Buddha's teaching. It is good to read and reflect again on Buddha's teaching in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life. I realised my temper could flare when there are too many tasks. Sometimes I have to say no. 

In the following scene, many people hurled insults at the monks for asking for alm instead of working.  The following scene is from Buddha episode 37 and it was first posted on Heart Sutra and Buddhism blog in June 2019.

Buddha: Didn't the people offer alms?

Disciples: Guru, can't we go to another place?

Buddha: Sure we can. But the reason for you all to leave this place may follow you to another place too.

Disciples: The people from this region always humiliate us. They are repulsive and jeer at us.

Buddha: You feel agitated of their behaviour? If the people welcome you with respect, you will feel happy, won't you? It means you have given the key to your internal peace in another's hands. So the external factors are affecting you and can rule over you.

Disciple: Guru, we have realised our mistake. It's not the external factor but our mind that emote pain and vexation. That means we have not understood your teaching.