RESPECT AND VALUE
I remember reading this story long ago. I don’t know who wrote it, but its essence has stayed with me ever since.
There was once a Buddhist temple that had fallen into neglect. Dust gathered, the walls dulled, and the monks who lived there lost their focus. They became argumentative, disconnected from their purpose. Visitors stopped coming. The temple, once a place of peace, grew silent.
The head monk was deeply concerned. He tried to remind the others of the importance of respect, respect for one another, for the temple, and for the sacredness of their path. But his words didn’t seem to reach their hearts.
One day, he sought counsel from the Abbot of the highest order—a wise and revered elder. The Abbot listened and said he would visit the temple himself.
The monks were intrigued. They held great reverence for the Abbot and eagerly awaited his discourse. When he finally spoke, he said only a few words, but they changed everything.
“I am amazed,” he said, “to learn that the most Holy One, Lord Buddha himself, has incarnated as a monk and is living among you in this temple. Yet none of you have recognized him.”
The monks were stunned. Could it be true? Had the Buddha been among them all along?
From that moment, everything shifted. They began to treat one another with deep reverence, knowing that any one of them could be the Buddha in disguise. They cleaned the temple with devotion, rising early to sweep, polish, and decorate it with care. Their prayers became sincere offerings, knowing the Buddha was listening.
The transformation was profound. The temple radiated beauty and peace. People from far and wide came to experience its sacredness and the presence of monks who now glowed with unconditional love and light. Healing happened. The land flourished.
Inspired by the monks’ example, people began to care for one another. Kindness spread. Poverty and hunger vanished.
Respecting and valuing each other, and everything around us, is the true spice of life.
Today, many have forgotten this spice.
But the Divine dwells among us, as the All.
When we honor the sacred within one another and in our surroundings, prosperity and wellness return.
Blessings!
Premlatha Rajkumar
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Live As Love & Joy 