Here’s another inspiring story from Buddha’s life that carries a timeless lesson:
The Story of the Angry Man
One day, while Buddha was teaching a group of devoted disciples under the shade of a large tree, a man approached him filled with anger and resentment. His face was flushed, and his eyes seethed with rage as he began to hurl insults at Buddha, loudly shouting accusations and trying desperately to provoke him into a reaction. But Buddha, embodying the essence of peace and enlightenment, listened calmly to each word, completely unperturbed by the vitriol being directed at him. Instead of responding with anger or hostility, he maintained a serene demeanor, demonstrating the power of patience and understanding in the face of hate. As the man continued his tirade, Buddha’s silence spoke volumes, reminding all present that true strength lies in responding to negativity with compassion and equanimity.
After the man finished, Buddha asked gently:
“If someone offers you a gift and you refuse to accept it, to whom does the gift belong?”
The man replied, “It remains with the giver.”
Buddha smiled and said, “In the same way, I refuse to accept your anger. It remains with you.”
The man was stunned. He realized that his rage had no power over Buddha, and in that moment, he felt ashamed and transformed.
You don’t have to accept negativity: Just because someone directs anger at you doesn’t mean you must take it in. In fact, it’s essential to recognize that their emotions are a reflection of their own struggles, not a measure of your worth. You have the power to maintain your emotional boundaries, allowing you to preserve your peace of mind. By standing firm in your resolve and not absorbing their negativity, you create space for positivity in your life. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to step away from toxic interactions and seek environments that nurture your spirit rather than drain it. Embrace the idea that you deserve to be surrounded by kindness and support, promoting healthier connections that uplift rather than diminish.
Calmness disarms hostility: Responding with peace instead of retaliation can transform conflict. When faced with aggression, a composed demeanor not only diffuses tension but also sets a tone of rational discourse, encouraging a shift from confrontation to collaboration. This practice fosters understanding and empathy, allowing both parties to explore the underlying issues fueling the disagreement. Moreover, cultivating an atmosphere of calm can inspire others to adopt a similar approach, creating a ripple effect that promotes harmonious interactions within the community. In a world where divisiveness often prevails, embracing calmness serves as a powerful tool for constructive dialogue and resolution.
Inner strength is true power: Mastering your own reactions is more powerful than controlling others, as it allows you to navigate the complexities of life with grace and resilience. When you cultivate this inner strength, you become less dependent on external circumstances, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. By focusing on self-regulation and emotional intelligence, you empower yourself to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, which ultimately leads to more meaningful interactions and a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you.
This story motivates us to stay centered even when faced with hostility, reminding us that peace is a choice we can make in every moment. It encourages us to draw on our inner strength and resilience, emphasizing that, despite external chaos, we have the power to cultivate tranquility within ourselves. By practicing mindfulness and focusing on our breath, we can restore our calm amid turmoil, allowing us to respond with kindness rather than react with anger. In this way, we become conduits for peace, inspiring those around us to choose a similar path of quiet strength and compassion. Ultimately, the narrative serves as a powerful reminder that our choices shape not only our experiences but also influence the atmosphere in which we exist, creating ripples of harmony in even the most challenging situations.
Dear Jaimy,
I hope you are doing well.
I’m writing to you personally because I genuinely appreciate your presence and consistency as a writer. Over time, I’ve observed the clarity, intent, and sincerity with which you engage—qualities that are increasingly rare and deeply valuable.
I’ve recently revived an initiative called Knight of Writers. It began earlier as a quiet campaign and is now taking a more structured form within my monthly journal, Kalaga Express. The idea is simple: to recognize, protect, and amplify real writers—those who write with intent, integrity, and effort.
From January 2026 onwards, Knight of Writers will appear as a monthly literary skit inside the journal—symbolic, respectful, and entirely positive in spirit. It’s not about portraying people as they are in real life, nor about judgment or hierarchy. Instead, it’s about ideas, direction, and collective purpose. Everyone involved is a protagonist.
Alongside this, contributors are welcome to:
write articles or reflections in the journal,
feature their work or professional initiatives,
and use the published journal as a showcase of their writing journey.
I’ve included you because I see you as one of the writers who naturally belongs in such a space. There is no obligation, no formality required—this is simply an invitation extended with goodwill and respect.
If this resonates with you, I’d be glad to have you as part of Knight of Writers.
Warm regards,
Louis Jayaraj
Editor, Kalaga Express
Founder, Knight of Writers