July 20, 2019
Venerable Wuling in Fear, Giving

Give fearlessness.

Not fear. 

At some point in our daily routine, we encounter an “it.”

“It” isn’t dangerous. Nor newsworthy or life-changing. Just annoying! An inconsiderate behavior that has been going on for a long time, affecting not only us but others as well.

So, once again, we rehearse how we will lodge a complaint with the appropriate person, confident that she’ll correct the “annoying” person. Perhaps by pointing out how his actions go against the rules. Perhaps with a mild reminder of the need for considerate behavior.

We could complain, but must we? Should we?

We know that we’re supposed to give fearlessness. Not fear.

What if, instead of helping the person conform to the rules, we cause him a serious problem? What if his conditions are so constricting that he has no option but to break that rule knowing he’s not hurting anyone? What if our complaint triggers a life-changing event for him? We need to ease others suffering, not cause it.

We need to relax. And just let go.

Article originally appeared on a buddhist perspective (http://www.abuddhistperspective.org/).
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