“Nobody can hurt me without my permission.” Mahatma Gandhi
Near Tokyo lived a great Samurai warrior, now old, he decided to teach Zen Buddhism to young people. In spite of his age, the legend was that he could defeat any adversary.
One afternoon, a warrior – known for his complete lack of scruples – arrived there. The young and impatient warrior had never lost a fight. Hearing of the Samurai’s reputation, he had come to defeat him, and increase his fame.
All the students were against the idea, but the old man accepted the challenge.
All gathered on the town square, and the young man started insulting the old master. He threw a few rocks in his direction, spat in his face, shouted every insult under the sun – he even insulted his ancestors. For hours, he did everything to provoke him, but the old man remained impassive. At the end of the afternoon, feeling exhausted and humiliated, the impetuous warrior left.
Disappointed by the fact that the master had received so many insults and provocations, the students asked:
– How could you bear such indignity? Why didn’t you use your sword, even knowing you might lose the fight, instead of displaying your cowardice in front of us all?
– If someone comes to you with a gift, and you do not accept it, who does the gift belong to? – asked the Samurai.
– He who tried to deliver it – replied one of his disciples.
– The same goes for envy, anger and insults – said the master. – When they are not accepted, they continue to belong to the one who carried them.
We all have a choice to accept the gifts that are offered. When I accept an offering of envy, anger or fear, it is because I believe on some level, I deserve it. Once I begin to work on letting go of this belief within me, I find I can say no to those who offer them.
With practice, I learn to step into my power and live in my truth. With practice, I receive the gifts I truly deserve. The gifts of love, peace and joy.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Such powerhouses
Thankyou so much. Coelho is a great teacher.
Wow Karen, this old man is/was very wise. Those advices are very usable. We really need to learn to say NO to bad behavior, it doesn’t belong to us. Thank you for sharing this.
I love that Irene, “Saying no to behavior, that does not belong to us.” Perfect Thankyou.
I do my best to learn that myself and it is possible.
Wise man. As to the opening quote, I don’t need anyone else to hurt me, I can do just fine on my own.
Such a valid point David. Our self belief and thoughts are very powerful. Once we change that, our outer world responds.
It is hard sometimes not taking mean words or actions personally. There are certain people who might treat me badly that “hook” me more than others. I try to fall back on that old adage – what you think of me is none of my business. Thank you Karen.
I agree Mary, it is extremely difficult at times. I wish I remembered more often “It is none of my business!” Thankyou.
Karen, this is a powerful post. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thankyou Yvonne. I just love his stories.
Me too! xo
Oh, this is good. I will try to hold onto it the next time I need it!
I agree Emilie, it gives a different perspective on the offerings people give us.
This is such an empowering way to look at the negatives that may bombard us. Thanks!
It is an empowering story Jennifer. I love the perspective he has shown us. By the way, your new photo looks great. 🙂
I love this. I hadn’t thought of it that way before. But I will now. Thanks for the inspiring words.
It is a great way to view diffcult challenges Carrie. Thankyou.
bowing to
your gift 🙂
I return the bow. Namaste David.
Thank you Karen for this helpful “walking around” meditation seed.
It is a meditation seed MK. Thankyou.
This sends a very powerful message. The old man made it look so easy. As you stated, it takes practice to develop this skill. It is always a blessing when a person is able to truly accept only the gifts they choose to accept.
I heard a quote that made a great impact on my life. It stated, “seek what you want from life, but only accept what you need.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful article.
Accepting what we need, is the gift Jonathan. I wish it was as easy as this too, but I am sure he worked very hard on connecting to his truth and power each day. Thankyou for your thoughts.
Brilliant story Karen.
What a precious gift to share 🙂
It is Val. Coelho is the master of teaching life lessons through stories. 🙂
A great illustration Karen! ❤
Diana xo
Thanks Diana. Each time I see your photo I want to get up and dance ha! 🙂
Ha I love that!
Just amazing! Thank you, I needed this!
Glad to hear Nico. You are most welcome.
Thankyou Irene. I appreciate it.
Love this, and how interesting we are thinking right along the same lines, releasing. Sending hugs. ❤
Releasing is beautiful. Thankyou and big hugs to you.
One of my favorite stories.
Thankyou Noelle. It really is. 🙂
Karen,
Great post! Always love the approach of the wise.
In turning the other cheek attention always returns to the aggressor. His true character will be revealed for all to see.
-Alan
Although this can be difficult to do at times Alan, it is definitely a wiser choice and connects us to our inner power. Thankyou.
Thankyou so much.
Akin to what my scrappy NYC friend always says: “You don’t have to attend every fight you’re invited to.” Amen and wise words!
I like that Kay! She is right, we don’t. 🙂
I have kind of learned that great lesson through some challenging relationships in my past. But of course I still sometimes accept gifts I shouldn’t. And find they are difficult to return 🙂
They can be difficult to return when we hold onto the belief we cannot give them back. This takes courage and as most of us dislike conflict, we shy away from doing it. When I have had the courage to speak my truth, my confidence grew and I found over time, these offerings stopped coming. Thankyou for your comment Helen.
Reblogged this on Loving Me, Too and commented:
What if it really is as simple as not accepting insults and negative energy? As simple as saying, no thanks, I’m not interested that.
Thankyou Joanna. It is a great message for us all.
My pleasure to share.
Wonderful story and the wisdom I take from this is that it can work both ways, we can all do better and giving the gifts of love peace and joy is what I hope I can give each day to my family, my friends and even strangers.
Well you definitely do that Kath! These gifts change our world for the better and it’s within us all. 🙂