Praise and Blame Are the Same: A journey of Inner Freedom

 Praise and Blame Are the Same: A Journey to Inner Freedom

In a bustling village nestled at the edge of a dense forest, lived a wise old monk named Dhyan. His serene presence and gentle smile were a source of solace to the villagers. Despite his simplicity, Dhyan was known for his profound wisdom. People often sought his advice on life’s complexities. Among his teachings, one phrase stood out: “Praise and blame are the same.”

At first, the villagers were perplexed. How could praise, a symbol of recognition and appreciation, be equated with blame, which often stung with criticism and judgment?

One day, a young man named Arun decided to challenge Dhyan. Arun was ambitious and craved approval. He couldn’t fathom how praise and blame could hold the same weight. “Master Dhyan,” he began, “everyone seeks praise for their efforts and dreads blame. How can they be the same?”

Dhyan smiled and said, “Come with me, Arun. Let me show you.”

The Story of the Lotus

The monk led Arun to a serene pond where a single lotus bloomed. Its petals were pure white, untouched by the mud it grew from. “This lotus,” Dhyan began, “teaches us an important lesson. It does not bloom to earn our praise, nor does it wilt when ignored or criticized. It simply exists, fulfilling its purpose, unaffected by the opinions of others.”

Arun frowned. “But, Master, we are not like the lotus. We have emotions, desires, and egos.”

“True,” Dhyan acknowledged. “But these emotions and desires can trap us. When we seek praise, we tie our happiness to others’ approval. When we fear blame, we hand them the power to disturb our peace. In both cases, we lose our freedom.”

He continued, “To be truly free, Arun, we must learn to see praise and blame as the same—fleeting judgments that say more about the giver than the receiver.”

A Test of Wisdom

Intrigued, Arun decided to put Dhyan’s wisdom to the test. The next day, he shared the monk’s teaching with a group of villagers. Some praised him, saying he was insightful and wise. Others criticized him, calling him arrogant for pretending to understand Dhyan’s deep philosophy.

At first, Arun felt elated by the praise and stung by the criticism. But then he remembered the lotus. Slowly, he began to observe his reactions without judgment. He realized that both praise and blame were like ripples on the surface of the pond—temporary and inconsequential.

The Path to Inner Freedom

Over time, Arun’s perspective shifted. He started focusing on doing what felt right to him, regardless of others’ opinions. His newfound equanimity inspired others, and soon the village buzzed with discussions about Dhyan’s teaching.

One villager remarked, “Arun, you’ve become so calm. What’s your secret?”

Arun smiled and replied, “I’ve learned that praise and blame are like the wind. They may touch us, but they cannot uproot us unless we let them.”

Quotes to Reflect Upon

1. “Don’t let praise or blame disturb your balance.” — Gautama Buddha “Both are just passing clouds; your true essence is untouched.”

2. “A person who is truly at peace is unshaken by either.” — Lao Tzu

3. “The lotus blooms not for the beholder but for itself.” — Ancient Proverb

The Takeaway

Life will always present us with both applause and criticism. By anchoring ourselves in self-awareness and purpose, we can navigate these waves with grace. Like the lotus, we can learn to rise above, untouched by mud or admiration.

So the next time someone showers you with praise or hurls blame, pause and ask yourself: Does this define who I am, or is it just a reflection of the ever-changing winds of life?