Certain times of year are hard for my family so I try to be as compassionate and grateful as I can to everyone I meet. Many people struggle and are angry around the holidays. Remember that angry people are usually hurt and are lashing out because of that pain. They deserve extra grace not less.
The stories of Scrooge and the Grinch let us know that with mercy and grace, anyone can change and heal.
Let me share a story with you…
Bankei Yotaku, a Japanese Zen master, forgave a thief for stealing in the most inspiring way. He once went into seclusion for weeks, and people from all over Japan came to learn from him and take part in the seclusion.
But soon, they began to notice that someone was stealing things in this gathering. They immediately informed Bankei, but he was not willing to take any action against the thief. This incident happened the next day, too; the pupils caught the man stealing again and told Bankei about it. Once again, Bankei ignored the whole incident and did not do anything to the thief.
Finally, people objected that they could not go on with the seclusion and mediation when they knew a thief was among them. Everyone asked Bankei to take the matter into his hands and expel the thief. No one was willing to stay unless the thief went away.
These were Bankei’s words when everyone asked him to take action and stop the thief:
“Brothers, you are wise. You know what is right and what is wrong. This brother of ours, does not know right from wrong like you. If I do not teach him, then who will? I am not going to expel him. Even if it means that you all will leave, I am going to keep him beside me.”
The thief, of course, heard everything and was greatly impressed by Bankei’s compassion and big heart. He burst into tears and swore to himself that he would never steal ever again.
Even something like burglary, which seems rather a small deed compared to more significant matters, can show you how much better people have in their hearts and how good they are capable of being.
Bankei decided to forgive the thief even if it meant that no pupil would ever attend his sessions of seclusion anymore. But he did it to prove that goodness, forgiveness, and patience are always stronger than any form of punishment.
If you want to read more like this one please visit this website where the story originated.
I wish you all a holiday season filled with giving, patience, compassion, and mercy!
Blessings – E