If you knew that Jesus, Buddha or a Great Healer or Philosopher was in your presence, would you treat them any differently than your friends or family?
A Buddha Is Among You
The Abbot of a once famous Buddhist monastery that had fallen into decline was deeply troubled. Monks were becoming lax in their practice, novices were leaving, and lay supporters were deserting to other centers. He travelled far to receive the advice of a Sage and recounted his tale of woe, of how much he desired to transform his monastery to the flourishing Haven it had been in days of yore.
The Sage looked him in the eye and said, “The reason your monastery has languished, is that the Buddha is living among you in disguise, and you have not honoured Him.” The Abbot hurried back to the monastery, his mind in turmoil.
The Selfless One was at his monastery! Who could he be? Brother Hua?…No, he was full of sloth. Brother Po?…No, he was too dull. But then the Tathagata was in disguise. What better disguise than a sloth or dull- wittedness?
He called his monks to him and revealed the Sage’s words. They, too, were shocked and looked at each other with suspicion and awe.
Which one of them was the Chosen One?
The disguise was perfect. Not knowing who the Buddha was, they took to treating everyone with the same respect and honor of a Buddha.
Overtime their faces began shining with an inner radiance that attracted more novices and lay supporters.
In no time at all, the monastery far surpassed its previous glory.
This story reminded me to treat myself and others with the same respect and honor of a Great Prophet in our midst and to remember, we can only accept the love we think we deserve.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Beautiful Karen, we all need to be reminded to treat each other how we wished to be treated. Love that Mother Theresa quote too, she has many golden ones. Thank you.
Thankyou “oh young one!” It is a good reminder to practice everyday.
What a lovely story … and gentle reminder Karen. ❤
Val
Thankyou Val, yes everyday is a reminder to be aware of how I treat myself and others.
This is a great story. I was wondering though; did it only work when ALL the monks thought it out and changed their ways? In other words, did the monk who was previously dull change because he thought the Buddha was amongst them, or did he change because he was treated better by the others (because he may be Buddha in disguise)?
Good question Elizabeth and I think in this story they all changed their attitude however, in my experience in life, it has only been me who needs to change my attitude and my thoughts about others before I see a difference in those around me.
Karen
A great lesson in this story Karen – thank you for sharing it!
Diana xo
Thankyou for reading it Diana!
🙂
Thankyou Carol
Jesus says: “Do unto others as you have them do unto you.” And, “When you did it to the least of my brothers, you did it to Me.”
If we see Him in all people, we know, then, that He is constantly in our midst. In His presense I would see myself as I should be. What He wants of me.
-Alan
Yes thankyou Alan, I think we often cannot see what Jesus sees in us and when we finally do, we have a far greater chance of seeing it in others.
Karen
Treat everyone you meet on your path as a brother or sister for they might well have been your sibling in a past life! Karen, thanks for visiting and following my blog. I am finding lots of great reading material on yours!
Yes I agree. I think your blog is great and you have a special connection with the spirit world. My sister and I do Shamanic Healing and we are very interested in past lives and releasing those who are still with us. I read so many wonderful blogs and I am so inspired by the work people do, its ashame we all cant catch up and share!!
Karen
Thanks Karen. You and your sister both are doing a wonderful service for the Universe. I would love to read more about your shamanic healing…can I find this information on your blog??
Thankyou and it feels like we are doing exactly what we are called to do.
I haven’t written anything on it because as you know, it’s such a limited audience doing spirit work so I’ve refrained from really sharing a lot. Ask any questions if you like on my email I’m happy to reply.
naaron2@hotmail.com.
Karen