Opportunity to improve
Once the Buddha and a group of five hundred bhikkhus were traveling from Rajagriha towards the city of Nalanda. At that time, a hermit named 'Supriya' followed him. Along with Supriya, he also had a disciple named 'Brahmadatta'. While walking behind the Buddha and the bhikkhus, Supriya was slandering the Buddha, the Dhamma and his Sangha in various ways. He was slandering the Buddha in various ways. At the same time Brahmadatta was praising him. Supriya would often slander the Buddha and Brahmadatta would refute his views.
A lot of time passed while walking. The sun started to set. After sunset the Tathagata reached a spacious garden called 'Ambalathika' for his night stay. Everyone camped there at one place. Supriya also stayed there with Brahmadatta. There too, they both held conflicting views on Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. While all this was happening, the bhikkhu was silent. It's night. Everyone fell asleep peacefully.
Some of the Buddha's bhikkhus, however, were greatly disturbed by Supriya's words. He was constantly thinking that he should tell all this information to Buddha. He fell asleep thinking this. The night ended, the sun rose. Birds started chirping. At that time all the bhikkhus got up and gathered together under a tree. They all started discussing about Supriya's slander.
Many were upset by that criticism. Then Buddha came there. Everyone humbly saluted him. Everyone sat down in front of the Buddha. Looking at them, the Buddha said to them, "Bhikkhus, what were you discussing now?" A bhikkhu stood up and said in a tone of displeasure, “Bhante, we were talking about Supriya. During the journey yesterday, Supriya was constantly speaking ill of you, criticizing you, the Dhamma and the Sangha in harsh terms.
We are disturbed by his behavior and criticism. How can he act like this?” When he had finished speaking, another bhikkhu stood up and said, “Thus, while Supriya was criticizing you in various ways, his disciple Brahmadatta was praising you. He spoke highly of you. He must surely be a good householder.' Buddha listened to everyone calmly. Smiling, he said very gently, “Oh, if anyone, whether it is Supriya or anyone else, is slandering me, do not be angry with him.
If someone slanders you, do not consider him as an enemy. If you become angry or depressed when someone slanders me, the Dhamma or the Sangha, it will only harm you, harm you. If someone speaks abusively about me, don't get angry, don't get angry, don't get upset. Instead check what he says. Check his speech. Check if there is truth in what he is saying.
If there is a vice in us, according to his criticism, we should try to remove it. We must correct our mistake. Think of your condemnation as an opportunity to correct your faults. On the contrary, if someone praises us, we should not be overjoyed or pleased. If so, it is your loss. Bhikkhus, if someone praises you, you should check whether it is genuine or not. We should check if this thing is right, if it is in us. One who acts like this should be considered wise.”
All the bhikkhus calmed down after hearing the Buddha's words. They realized their mistake. He bowed to the Buddha and asked for forgiveness. Then the Buddha said to him, “Even now you will not be disturbed by criticism, will you? Now you won't be overwhelmed with praise, will you? Oh, it's a mistake to get upset by her, whether it's praise or blame. Keep your conscience. Try to get rid of vices by treating yourself. You will prosper.” All the bhikkhunis saluted the Buddha and he prepared for his further journey.
Implications – Slander is an opportunity for improvement. One should not be discouraged by slander. They should be treated, their genuineness should be checked rather than indulged in praise and censure. Accordingly, proper corrections should be made in oneself.
Source - Google
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