Words are empowered
as much by their speakers
as by their listeners.– Shilashanti
Once a monk was called to heal a sick child with a few words of paritta [protection] chanting. A skeptic in the crowd observed it all and expressed doubts about such a superficial way of healing. The master turned to him and said, ‘You know nothing of these matters, you are an ignorant fool!’
The skeptic became very upset. He turned red and shook with anger. Before he could gather himself to reply, however, the master spoke again, ‘When one word [i.e. fool] has the power to make you hot and angry, why should not another word have the power to heal?’
Traditional Story
108 Treasures For The Heart: A Guide For Daily Living
Compiled By Benny Liow
