Lessons on Silence and Cursing in the Temple

One afternoon in the courtyard of Vien Quang Pagoda, the golden sunlight faded behind ancient tiled roofs, casting long shadows across the red brick floor. The air was still, broken only by the rustling wind through the bodhi trees and the faint scent of incense drifting gently. Mr. Hung, a middle-aged man with a gentle face, sat in meditative concentration beneath an old banyan tree. His eyes were half-closed, his mind/heart peaceful like water flowing through mountain forests.

He had spent the entire week preparing for the National Peace and People’s Prosperity ceremony. Each day, he ate vegetarian food, chanted sutras, and helped with small chores around the temple without complaint. For him, this was precious time to cleanse his soul and find peace after the busyness of daily life. He believed that when one lives virtuously, the world around them becomes better too.

Suddenly, a shrill, aggressive voice shattered the serene atmosphere. A strange woman with disheveled hair rushed into the courtyard, her eyes glaring directly at Mr. Hung. She stood imposingly before him, hands on her hips, shouting loudly:

"You are a hypocrite! You live wickedly out there, yet you come here pretending to pray to Buddha and heaven? No god or Buddha will acknowledge you. You are cruel!"

Mr. Hung’s heart tightened. His trembling hand gripped the edge of his robe. He felt heat rising from his chest, urging him to explain himself or even retaliate fiercely. But he took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. He looked up, speaking softly but firmly:

"I am sorry, sister, you have mistaken me. All I do is eat vegetarian food, visit the temple to pay respects to Buddha, and sit in meditation. I have never harmed you."

The woman did not listen; she became increasingly agitated, cursing profusely and drawing the attention of other practitioners walking nearby. Curious and surprised gazes began to focus on the two of them. Mr. Hung felt embarrassed and confused. Thoughts raced through his mind: "If I stay silent, they will think I am weak and accept the slander. If I argue back, everything will become chaotic."

He recalled his teacher’s lesson on "appropriate response." He asked himself, "What should I do now?" If he got angry and cursed back, it would turn into a noisy verbal fight. Outsiders would not know who was right or wrong; they would only see two people quarreling messily inside the temple. They might conclude: "This temple is full of people fighting," or "Buddhism is not good." The reputation of the temple, and local leaders like the commune secretary or chairman, would be unfairly tarnished.

Looking around, Mr. Hung saw new visitors stepping back hesitantly. He understood that his silence was not cowardice, but a self-sacrifice to protect the greater good. He lowered his head, closed his eyes, and ignored the continuing insults. He focused on his breath, contemplating compassion, silently wishing for the woman to awaken soon and reduce her suffering.

After a while, as the woman’s rage subsided, she left in frustration. Only then did those around approach Mr. Hung. An elderly woman embraced his shoulder and whispered:

"My child, you did well. Had you argued back, the temple would surely have gained a bad name today. You preserved the purity of this place."

Mr. Hung smiled. Though a trace of sadness remained in his heart, he felt relieved. He realized that sometimes the strongest answer lies not in words, but in one’s attitude toward life and patience amidst storms. By not responding with hatred, he prevented a chain reaction of negative karma and preserved the noble image of the Dharma in the community’s eyes.

The Meaning of the Story

This story illustrates the lesson of "Appropriate Response" in Buddhism. When facing slander, misunderstanding, or attacks from others, we must use wisdom to consider the consequences of our actions. It is not always necessary to respond with harsh words. Sometimes, silence, patience, and maintaining integrity are the most correct ways to protect the collective honor—of family, community, or religion—and avoid creating more negative karma. A proper response is based on long-term benefit and the spirit of compassion, not on the temporary emotions of the ego.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang