Long ago, in a beautiful forest, there lived a mighty bull buffalo. He was a sight to behold, with bulging muscles and huge curving horns with razor sharp tips. He was like a dark blue mountain moving through the forest. The lions and tigers stayed out of his path, for they knew they were no match for his strength, But the buffalos nature was was the opposite of his appearance. He was the most gentle and wise of creatures. A mischievous monkey had discovered the buffalos kindness, and he decided to abuse it. The monkey had found that the buffalo would put up with whatever trick he played.The monkey would jump on the buffalos back and ride him like a horse, or swing in between his great horns, or cover his eyes so he could not find his way; he would stand in his path so he couldnt graze, jump on his head when he was sleeping and wake him, or even poke his ears with a stick. Whatever the monkey did, the buffalo went on about his business, not seeming to mind a bit. The monkey reveled in the situation, always trying to think up new ways to anger the buffalo. An owl who lived in the forest often observed the monkey and the buffalo, and was very perplexed about the relationship. One day, she asked the buffalo, Great buffalo, you are feared by the tiger and the lion, yet you let this monkey abuse you in countless ways. In an instant you could crush the insolent little beast and be done with him. Why dont you? Of course I know my own strength, said the buffalo, But I would not think of using it on that silly little monkey. It is very easy to be patient and tolerant of those who are good to you. The challenge is being patient and tolerant with those who treat you badly. This monkey, with his taunting, is actually doing me a favor. I work on developing the virtue of tolerance and compassion by putting up with his behavior. Maybe he will learn from my example, and maybe he wont. It is not my job to discipline him. We all need challenges to develop our virtues. This monkey is supplying me with a chance to grow.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 01:49:45 +0000
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