THE BEST RESPONSE TO SLANDER IS TO KEEP SILENT
Master Jun Hong Lu: When you are at the receiving end of a slander, the best response is to keep your silence.
We must learn from the Bodhisattva to dwell in peace and abstain from talking. Unfortunately, many people cannot do this. Even amongst those who can, many are not genuinely at peace but merely pretending.
To emulate the quietude of the Buddha involves efforts to quell our negative affinities from within our hearts. We need to be like the Bodhisattva who is endowed with great mercy, boundless compassion and a magnanimous heart that is capable of relieving the sufferings of sentient beings according to their conditions.
Take a look at the Bodhisattvas. Don’t you think They are at peace? Bodhisattvas can clearly see each and every of our actions and mannerisms. Though They may not utter a word and appear reticent, They look dignified.
As humans, this is what we should aim for – honourable and worthy. Regardless of what others say about us, we must maintain our solemnity and quietude.
There is a saying that goes “Silence is golden”, because the more you talk, the more likely you are bound to fail.
Many people experience failure their whole life due to their speaking habits. They are unable to maintain their silence; they like to talk about everything they do, be it good or bad.
Please bear this in mind: We should do all things from our heart – be it in the aspects of Buddhism studies, spiritual cultivation or performing meritorious deeds, as it is with this attitude, others will truly appreciate what we do.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism in Plain Terms, Volume 2 Chapter 22
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