Accept or suffer
Buddha of mosquitoes that kept him awake the entire night. The Buddha did not respond. Next day, the same disciple was whining about the quality of meals being served.
This was also ignored. Third time, the disciple accused his fellow inmates of not cooperating with him. 'Complaint after complaint! We live with all these.
You must move elsewhere, right now,' came the verdict.
The world is not meant to serve or support our agendas, unless it fits into God's plan. No official, social or other ideal position or organisation is there to suit our interests; we can only elicit support from various resources to buttress our philanthropic pursuit. The fault lies in assuming ourselves to be masters, while we are designed to serve others.
You can lead a meaningful and peaceful life only by being selflessly instrumental in the scheme of providence by accepting all. 'Serenity comes when you trade expectations for acceptance,' said the Buddha. With sympathy, we understand and accept, which helps make amends, grow and forgive.
Behind the suffering and turmoil compromising our spontaneity and peace is our resistance to accept others as they are.
When we accept others with all their foibles and frailties, we extend love, break barriers. Else, base instincts vitiate and overpower the angel within us. Timeless Buddhist canons, like 'a resentful mind finds no peace', 'appreciate what you already have', and 'don't let your mind bully your soul' can bring immense relief to a strife- and acrimony-torn world.
