Speak with Caution Buddha story

A Brahmin named Bharadwaja once came to the Buddha and began hurling abuses at him. When he finally grew tired and fell silent, the Buddha calmly asked, “Do guests ever visit your house?” Surprised, the Brahmin replied, “Of course they do.”

The Buddha then asked, “And what happens if a guest refuses the food or gifts you offer?” Annoyed, the Brahmin answered, “Then those things remain with me.”

The Buddha gently said, “In the same way, if I choose not to accept the harsh words you spoke in anger, where will they go?”

Hearing this, the Brahmin felt ashamed. He bowed before the Buddha and asked for forgiveness.

The Buddha teaches us that before speaking to anyone, we must be mindful and speak with caution. Our words reflect us more than they reflect others.