Life is always a variation of lights and shadows. Yesterday you was happy because someone was very kind to you, and today you feel sad because somebody was so unreasonable and unkind to you. So it goes. Lights and shadows, happiness and sorrows... That's what life is made of. We all have our own battles.
Only few friendly words often means a lot to us. Sometimes they can even save your life! Like The Bible says: "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad" (The Book of Proverbs, chapter 12).
Or just like Gautama Buddha teach in The Dhammapada: "Do not speak harshly to anybody; those who are spoken to will answer thee in the same way. Angry speech is painful, blows for blows will touch thee." And: "Do not cause harm to anyone."
Or just like Gautama Buddha teach in The Dhammapada: "Do not speak harshly to anybody; those who are spoken to will answer thee in the same way. Angry speech is painful, blows for blows will touch thee." And: "Do not cause harm to anyone."
The power of words is amazing, in good as well as in bad. All what we do, all what we say - we will get it back sooner or later. All the great spiritual teachers taught this same truth. So let's try to be kind and fair to everyone, even though it's never so easy.
These thoughts just came into my mind, based on my own experiences yesterday and today. Peace to all creatures on Earth. (Please check out the touching video above.)
P.S. Thanks to 'Texas cowboy' who once sent me that video. Blessings to you, my friend.
P.S. Thanks to 'Texas cowboy' who once sent me that video. Blessings to you, my friend.
Hi, Teisuka,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting such a touching video. I also like what you said in your message. I totally agree with you that a few friendly words means so much to each of us. I had many such experiences that one person's cheering and kind words would make my day and one person's harsh words, sometimes even a look of disapproval, would make me feel so down. Sometimes I keep telling myself not to be too sensitive. But the thing is, who isn't? We all need kind words and a hug is even better. :)
I also like your quotations from the Bible and Gautama Buddha's teachings. They are so insightful. Here I'd also like to share a couple of Bible verses that stress the importance of saying kind words: "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made of God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be."(James, chapter 3, verses 9 & 10.)So, as you said, let's try to be kind and fair to everyone. -:)
Again, thank you for your post.
Bao
Hello, Bao.
DeleteThank you very much for your profound comment. I really appreciate it, and I'm glad to see you on my blog. :) Also thank you for quoting those verses of 'The Epistle of James'. That is a great quote, indeed.
Words has power, and what we say is important. Words can influence people in many ways. Bad words have negative impact, and good words have positive impact. Some people are more sensitive to sense this but words has an effect, regardless if we realize it or not. So, it is always better to try to speak positively. "The power of hug" is an obvious as well. :)
Again, thank you for your kind visit, Bao, and welcome back, my friend.
Best wishes,
Teisuka
Dear Tembo-san
ReplyDeleteWoke up after a nap and came back here. Guess what?? I think I've forgotten what I'd written earlier while on that IV-high LOL But I did mention something a 'wise woman' like to say, didn't I?! :))
Ahemm~ Okay, serious now -^^- A very thought provoking post indeed. Both you and Bao-san quoted wise sayings from Buddha and from the Bible. I'd like to be more 'down-to-earth' and quote from a beautiful woman :) 'When you are angry, never put it in writing (or words). - Estee Lauder.
A deep, hurt can only be healed by the person who caused it, Tembo-san. I am so happy that your hurting was fixed! Like Bao-san mentioned, HUGS do wonders, too and can sometimes be in lieu of words. IF physical contact is possible, that is. If not, we do need the magical, healing powers of words!
Thank you, Tembo-san, for sharing your thoughts!
- Michiko
Dear Michiko-chan,
DeleteThank you very much for your heartfelt and wise comment. I'm so glad to see you on my blog, too. You are a comment writer number 3. Yeeha! This is becoming a busy "station". Haha. :) Regarding your quote (Estee Lauder), it's a good advice, indeed. Sometimes better to keep mouth shut. Hehe. ^^
We are talking about "the power of words" this time, but we could also talk about "the power of silence". The silence is also speaking, and nothingness is full of... something. Right? Waa, this 'Zen stuff' now! Haha. But I know you agree with this, since you are a Japanese and Buddhist. ^^
Finally, I want to add here one great Zen quote I really like. This is like another side of story, or flip side, so to speak:
"Truth has nothing to do with words. Truth can be likened to the bright Moon in the sky. Words, in this case, can be likened to a finger. The finger can point to the Moon's location. However, the finger is not the Moon. To look at the Moon, it is necessary to gaze beyond the finger, right? Language and words are merely symbols with which to express the truth. But to mistake words for the truth is laughable as to mistake the finger for the Moon." (Zen Stories: The Finger is not the Moon.)
Again, thank you for visiting, dear Michiko-chan, and please call again! :)
Blessings,
Teisuka
I like "the power of silence." I agree that when we're angry, keeping mouth shut probably is the best choice. At least count 10 seconds before losing our temper.(I don't remember who said this, but it really worked for me sometimes. :))
DeleteBao