Sai Baba on defamation
Sai Baba on defamation
Terry Reis Kennedy
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says,
Not long ago a friend engaged me to do some work for her. We agreed on a price. When the work was done she was enthusiastic about the results, but she then decided that the price we had agreed upon wasn't what she was going to pay. I received considerably less. But what's worse, she told several lies about me and my involvement with the project. In fact, she claimed to have done the work herself. Fortunately, I survived the loss of money, the loss of the friendship, and the blow to my ego. I kept my balance and even managed to forgive the woman.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says,
Puttaparthi Sai proposes that we think differently about the experience of being abused by ingrates. We can choose to look at it in a positive light.
For example, Baba explains,
"When you do not accept the insult someone casts on you," the Divine Incarnation of Lord Krishna explains, "it goes back to the person who indulged in it first, a registered letter that is not accepted returns to the sender. Do not damage your mental peace by receiving the letter and reading the contents. Refuse to receive it. You have a chance of correcting the wrong-doers too. Accept it and you join the gang of mischief-makers. So, be warned!"
I don't know if my dropping my feelings of hurt and anger over the woman's actions towards me affected her in any way. But by not reacting to her lies and defamation, I felt stronger. And, curiously, I got many more jobs after that working with people who appreciate my efforts. The money I "lost" came back a hundredfold. Therefore, I am so grateful for guidance from the Guru of Gurus, "Seek the Light always;" Lord Sai says, "be full of confidence and zest. Do not yield to despair for it can never yield results. It only worsens the problem for it darkens the intellect and plunges you in doubt.
Reference
Terry Reis Kennedy
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says,
"There are various habits which can be learned in order to ensure equanimity. When someone insults you or defames you or ignores you, accept it with a smile; this is the way of the world; it is basically ungrateful, ill-mannered."
Not long ago a friend engaged me to do some work for her. We agreed on a price. When the work was done she was enthusiastic about the results, but she then decided that the price we had agreed upon wasn't what she was going to pay. I received considerably less. But what's worse, she told several lies about me and my involvement with the project. In fact, she claimed to have done the work herself. Fortunately, I survived the loss of money, the loss of the friendship, and the blow to my ego. I kept my balance and even managed to forgive the woman.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says,
"There are various habits which can be learned in order to ensure equanimity. When someone insults you or defames you or ignores you, accept it with a smile; this is the way of the world; it is basically ungrateful, ill-mannered."
Puttaparthi Sai proposes that we think differently about the experience of being abused by ingrates. We can choose to look at it in a positive light.
"… They are doing me a good turn, my strength is on trail, I should not yield to anger or resentment. Tell yourself such invigorating things and be quiet with a smile of triumph on your lips."
For example, Baba explains,
"There was a Sanyasin once who was roundly abused by a gang of mischievous young men. He said, 'Carry on! Enjoy yourselves! I see that you are very happy at the chance. This is exactly what I desire for you.'"
"When you do not accept the insult someone casts on you," the Divine Incarnation of Lord Krishna explains, "it goes back to the person who indulged in it first, a registered letter that is not accepted returns to the sender. Do not damage your mental peace by receiving the letter and reading the contents. Refuse to receive it. You have a chance of correcting the wrong-doers too. Accept it and you join the gang of mischief-makers. So, be warned!"
I don't know if my dropping my feelings of hurt and anger over the woman's actions towards me affected her in any way. But by not reacting to her lies and defamation, I felt stronger. And, curiously, I got many more jobs after that working with people who appreciate my efforts. The money I "lost" came back a hundredfold. Therefore, I am so grateful for guidance from the Guru of Gurus, "Seek the Light always;" Lord Sai says, "be full of confidence and zest. Do not yield to despair for it can never yield results. It only worsens the problem for it darkens the intellect and plunges you in doubt.
Reference
