Scene:
The story unfolds in a serene garden, where the Guru and Shishya sit beneath a large tree. The Shishya, troubled, approaches the Guru with a heavy heart, seeking wisdom.
Shishya (discouraged):
Guruji, I have a question weighing heavily on my mind. Lately, I have found it hard to stay unaffected by the words of others—whether it’s from family, friends, or even strangers. Many don’t mean to hurt me, but their words still sting, and I take them to heart. Have you ever faced this? And how do you deal with it? How do you keep such emotions from showing on your face?
Guru (calmly):
Ah, my dear Shishya, I see you are troubled by the weight of others’ words. This is something we all face at some point in life. But remember, it is not the words of others that affect us—it is how we choose to receive them.
Shishya (curious):
But Guruji, how can we stop ourselves from feeling hurt when someone says something harsh or thoughtless?
Guru (smiling gently):
Think of it like this: When someone gives you a gift, and you don’t accept it, to whom does the gift still belong?
Shishya (thinking):
It remains with the person who offered it.
Guru (nodding):
Exactly. In the same way, when people offer you hurtful words, you have the power to decide whether to accept them. If you refuse to take their words to heart, the hurt remains with them. You protect your peace by choosing what enters your mind and heart.
Shishya (reflective):
But Guruji, sometimes the words come from those closest to us—family and friends. Isn’t it more challenging to let go of the pain when it comes from them?
Guru (kindly):
Yes, it can feel more challenging when it comes from loved ones, but remember, everyone is on their journey. Often, their words reflect their pain or struggles, not who they are. When you recognise this, it becomes easier to see their words as a reflection of what they’re going through rather than your worth. And with this understanding, you may even find yourself able to offer support and compassion rather than feeling hurt or placing blame.
Shishya (softly):
So, what should I do when I feel hurt? How do I stop these emotions from surfacing?
Guru (compassionate):
First, acknowledge your feelings—it is okay to feel hurt. But instead of letting the hurt consume you, pause and ask yourself: ‘Is this worth my peace?’ Focus on your breath, calm your mind, and remind yourself of your inner strength. When you don’t react outwardly, you take control of the situation; over time, you’ll notice that these words lose their power over you.
Shishya (grateful):
Thank you, Guruji. Your words give me hope. I will practice this and try not to let others’ words affect me so profoundly.
Guru (smiling):
Remember, my dear Shishya, you are the guardian of your peace. Protect it, and you will find that no external force can disturb the calm within you.
The Lesson:Â
The story of the Guru and Shishya imparts a powerful lesson on emotional resilience and inner peace. It teaches us that while we cannot control what others say or do, we can control how we respond.
We protect our emotional well-being by learning not to internalise hurtful comments or negative energy. The Guru’s wisdom emphasises the importance of letting go of unnecessary emotional burdens and not allowing the words of others to disturb our inner balance. It’s a lesson in self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional strength, guiding us to rise above negativity gracefully.
Source:
It’s an original tale created to convey a meaningful lesson about emotional strength. The story is developed in collaboration with an A.I. language model for inspirational and educational purposes