JOIN US‘Respond’ and ‘react’ are words that are thought to have the same meaning. However, there exists a significant difference between the two. An incident in the Buddha’s life illustrates this truth very well.
Angulimala was a dreaded killer. While roaming in the forest one day, he met the Buddha. Drawing out his sword at once, he threatened him with death. The Buddha looked at him unruffled and said, ‘Then be good enough to fulfil my dying wish. Cut off the branch of that tree.’ With just one stroke of his sword, Angulimala accomplished the task. Then with a sneer, he asked, ‘Now what?’
‘Put it back again,’ said the Buddha.
The bandit laughed and said, ‘You must be crazy to think that this can be done. No one can do it.’
‘On the contrary,’ answered the Buddha, ‘it is you who are crazy. You think you are mighty because you can wound, destroy and kill. That is the work of children. The mighty know how to create and heal.’
Stunned by the serene response, Angulimala dropped his sword, fell at the feet of the Buddha and became his faithful follower. Had the Buddha reacted with resistance or disapproval, he would have lost his life, leaving Angulimala to pursue his wicked ways of heaping misery on others. Instead, he responded with admirable presence of mind and converted Angulimala into a monk and a man of peace.
Though trying circumstances are not so grim as the one faced by the Buddha, every one of us encounters them as we go about our daily tasks. It could be the telephone ringing while doing important work; it could be a salesman at the door or a neighbour dropping in to chat when one is busy. In the office, somebody might seek your help while you are deeply immersed in work. By reacting angrily, snapping at them and turning them away, one stands to lose their goodwill and their cooperation. Responding with calmness and patience, as the Buddha did, awakens understanding. This brings a feeling of warmth and satisfaction to both the giver as well as the receiver. Respond, do not react, because this can very well mean and make the difference between success and failure, between gladness and regret.