What Do the Noble Ones Think? Lessons from Those Who Welcome Criticism

When others scold us, most of us react with anger. Yet, noble ones view such moments as opportunities for spiritual practice. Let us listen to these profound perspectives and begin our journey of transforming the mind/heart. Have you ever heard someone insult you and felt... relieved? This is unlike the usual reaction of anger, but it reflects the state of mind of a noble one that few understand.

When pushed to the edge, what do you think? Human life differs greatly from that of animals. We have the power of choice, and every choice carries consequences. If we choose wrong actions, we must bear the results. But if we sacrifice for others, blessings from merit return to us. This is the fair law of cause and effect (karmic law) that everyone must understand.

"If we choose a wrong action, we commit a fault and must receive the bad result." Even animals, who seem to lack choice, actually made their choices in previous lives. Therefore, every moment of being human presents countless opportunities to choose between good and evil.

The aspiration to transcend one’s condition is a unique trait of humanity. What gives value to human life is the ceaseless desire to rise above. When satisfied, we want more. When hearing about death, we worry about the next life. This aspiration gave birth to religion. Buddhism is special because the Supreme Being became truly human, giving us faith that we too can reach enlightenment.

"Human beings are higher animals with an aspiration to transcend their own status." Thanks to this, we no longer feel limited by this human existence. We can sublimate and evolve spiritually.

What do noble ones think when they are scolded? Imagine someone insults you severely. What do you see? Pride, sadness, anger, or a desire to retaliate. But noble ones are different. They see it as a precious opportunity to train their minds. Hearing insults, they feel peaceful, even joyful.

"The first thought of a noble one is that they greatly enjoy adversity." Why? Because adversity is the stepping stone for practicing patience. Each time we are scolded yet maintain peace, we overcome the instinct of hatred. That is true happiness.

Love everyone, but do not trust easily. In Buddhism, saints are those who have attained a special structure of the soul. They cannot do evil or betray. But those who have not attained sainthood, though they may look good, can still act wrongly. Therefore, we can love all beings, but do not easily trust anyone until they meet the standard of a noble one.

"Noble ones no longer do wrong or evil, but those who are not yet noble can still do wrong." This helps us be more tolerant, yet also more alert in our relationships.

Every insult is an opportunity for practice. Our people possess a precious virtue: overcoming violent instincts when pushed to the limit. During the famine of nineteen forty-five, people preferred to starve rather than rob. This is the foundation for Vietnam becoming a land of the Buddha's teachings (Dharma).

"Vietnamese people overcame their violent instincts when driven to the brink... without doing wrong." When we try to emulate noble ones, we start with the smallest things: hearing an insult, we keep our minds serene. Gradually, we will surpass ourselves.

Practice today. Every insult is an exercise. Every adversity is an opportunity. Do not let worldly nature prevail. Let your soul reach toward the realm of the noble ones.