79. A Gift for Buddha
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There is another beautiful story that happened in the life of Buddha.
Once, when Buddha was teaching a group of people, a person in the group started abusing him angrily. Buddha listened patiently while the stranger vomited all his anger. Then he asked, 'If someone gives you a gift, and you refuse to accept it, with whom does the gift remain - with you, or with the other person?' 'With the other person, of course! Any fool can see that', said the man angrily. 'Now', said Buddha, 'if I refuse to accept your abuse and your anger, where will it go? Who is going to suffer with it?'
The man was so shocked that he just fell silent. His anger was gone. He was suddenly in the space of pure listening. Into that space of listening, Buddha then poured the teaching about taking complete responsibility for one's actions.
Listen: you are responsible for all your actions, for the reactions you attract from others, and for all the happenings of your life. When you become aware of your words and thoughts, and understand how they impact your life, naturally you will become aware of your actions and their effects as well.
