Sticks And Stones
In this episode, I explore the power of words and the meaning we assign to them, drawing parallels to the Buddhist concept of "right view" and the idea of "being it." I discuss how the common saying "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me" often falls short because we attach deep personal meaning to the stories we tell about ourselves, leading to unnecessary suffering when these stories are challenged. Through the stories of Sundari and Angulimala, I illustrate how the Buddha's ability to remain unruffled by accusations stemmed from his realization that he was the source of his own reality and contentment, a state of "being it" that allows for peace and a lack of defensiveness. This teaching offers a practical application for modern life: by understanding that the suffering caused by words is often a result of our own interpretations and attachments to our self-narratives, we can cultivate inner peace and a sense of self-acceptance, realizing that we are our own best friend and have nothing to defend.
