Like the Earth, Free from Resentment: Venerable Sariputta and the Art of Humility

Have you ever been misunderstood or falsely accused by others, even though you had no ill intent? That feeling is quite unpleasant, isn't it? However, the story of Venerable Sariputta, the foremost disciple in wisdom among the Buddha’s followers, offers us a profound lesson on how to face such situations.

An Accidental Touch and Unjust Anger

Just after the end of the rainy season retreat, Venerable Sariputta bid farewell to the Buddha and his fellow monks. He planned to lead a group elsewhere for alms rounds to ease the burden of making offerings on the lay community. In the crowded gathering, he inadvertently failed to greet one monk, and his robe bag lightly brushed against that monk’s face. This minor incident sparked intense anger. The monk felt disrespected and intentionally insulted. He exaggerated the event, accusing Venerable Sariputta of various faults, ranging from improper conduct during alms rounds to poor leadership within the Sangha.

The Lion’s Roar: Choosing to Be Like Earth, Water, and Wind

The Buddha knew clearly that Venerable Sariputta had committed no error. Yet, he summoned him before the entire assembly to uphold fairness. Venerable Sariputta did not deny the accusations nor did he offer defensive justifications. Instead, he raised the lion’s roar, expressing his deepest vow of humility. He viewed himself as earth, water, wind, and reeds—ready to accept impurity so that life might remain clean. He spoke thus:

“Venerable Sir, I always regard myself as the earth. The earth remains peaceful and joyful when people tread upon it. Similarly, I wish to remain peaceful and joyful when others look down on me or trample me. The earth generously receives the garbage and filth thrown upon it. Likewise, I ask to generously receive negative thoughts about me or harsh insults.”

When he compared himself to a humble dung carrier, the earth trembled, and many monks wept. They recognized the ultimate humility of an enlightened being.

The Ego – The Root of All Slander

Master Thich Chan Quang emphasized that deep within everyone lies an ego, characterized by pride and a desire to be superior. We constantly wish to prove ourselves better than others. The quickest way to appear higher is to belittle someone else. Consequently, most people are prone to gossiping, enjoying hearing bad news about others, and believing rumors without verification.

Let us reflect on our own behavior. Since beginning our spiritual practice, have we stopped speaking ill of others? Have we ceased believing in idle talk? If we have started to overcome these habits, it signifies that our spiritual heart is progressing.

Forgiveness – The Secret to Dissolving Karma

In this story, when the Buddha asked Venerable Sariputta to forgive the angry monk, the elder did more than just pardon the offense. He also asked for forgiveness from the other monk for having caused them distress. His heart was as tolerant as the earth, free from resentment. The lesson for us is clear: when misunderstood, we need not argue. We should simply maintain compassion and humility. Sometimes, apologizing first is not losing; it is dissolving hatred and bringing peace to both parties.

Understanding versus Realization – The Difference Between Ordinary People and Saints

Master Thich Chan Quang shared that while we may intellectually understand that all phenomena arise from conditions and cease due to conditions, mere understanding without realization leaves us swept away by life’s currents. He used a vivid analogy: ordinary beings are like those swimming in a river, struggling with waves while claiming the waves are illusory. Enlightened beings stand on the shore, observing the waves and recognizing their impermanent nature. When we lose a phone or money, we still panic. This proves we have not truly practiced letting go.

Four Verses – The Standard of a Saint

Finally, the Buddha quietly recited four verses praising Venerable Sariputta:

“Like the earth, free from resentment; like a stone pillar, steadfast; like a clear lake, pure; like a saint soaring high.”

The earth holds no grudge when plowed or planted. A stone pillar stands firm against storms. A clear lake reflects all things without becoming turbid. And a saint flies high, unburdened by worldly dust. This is the model we should aspire to in our practice.

Let us follow the example of Venerable Sariputta. Each day, let us expand our hearts to be as wide as the earth, as steady as stone, as clear as a lake, and as elevated as a saint. Begin by controlling your speech, refusing to believe in gossip, and maintaining compassion toward all beings. With just this small step, your life will become much more peaceful and light.