Buddhist monk, Ajahn Chay, a vessel of pure being, was immersed in the symphony of existence. Sunlight, a vibrant tapestry of light and shadow, danced upon the forest floor. His mind, a tranquil mirror, reflected the boundless love that permeates all beings. Suddenly, crack! The unity of Ajahn’s heart momentarily formed into the illusion of separation.
A younger monk, still entangled in the egoic matrix, unleashed a torrent of criticism about Ajahn’s teachings, his words like jagged shards of glass. Anger, a fleeting shadow, momentarily obscured the radiant light of Chay’s awareness. He felt the familiar tightening of the energetic field, the breath constricting, a discordant note in the symphony of existence.
The wisdom of the ancients, a timeless guide, resonated: “Holding onto anger is like grasping a burning ember, causing self-inflicted wounds.”
He visualized this – the searing pain of the ember, the desperate urge to release it. It was a poignant metaphor for the suffering that arises from clinging to negativity. He gently returned his attention to the breath, the anchor in the storm of emotions. He observed the arising of anger, not as an enemy to be vanquished, but as a fleeting guest, a temporary disturbance in the serene flow of consciousness.
He recalled the ancient parable: The weary traveler, lost in the wilderness of duality, encounters a tribe steeped in fear and misunderstanding. Instead of mirroring their aggression, he offers them the nectar of compassion, the balm of unconditional love. Their hearts, hardened by the armor of fear, begin to soften, the walls of separation dissolving.
Chay understood that anger is not a weapon to be wielded, but a wound to be healed. It not only inflicts suffering upon the individual but also ripples outward, creating disharmony within the interconnected web of existence. He approached the younger monk, not with judgment, but with an open heart, a mirror reflecting the truth of their shared humanity.
The younger monk, caught in the grip of his own limited perspective, was deeply moved by Chay’s response. He recognized the distortion of his perception, the illusion of separation that clouded his judgment.
As the day unfolded, Chay experienced a profound sense of liberation. He had transcended the illusion of anger, recognizing its fleeting nature, its inability to penetrate the core of his being, which is the essence of love. He understood that true liberation lies not in suppressing emotions, but in witnessing them with loving awareness, allowing them to rise and fall like gentle waves upon the ocean of consciousness.
Here’s how this “put down the burning coal” wisdom can apply to our everyday lives:
1. Road Rage: Let’s be real, we’ve all been there. Some jerk cuts you off in traffic, and suddenly, inner demons are unleashed. You’re gripping the steering wheel, veins bulging, ready to unleash a verbal (or even physical) tirade. But then, you remember the burning coal. Holding onto that rage is like gripping a hot poker – it only burns you. So, you take a deep breath, visualize a serene lake, and let it go. You might even offer a silent blessing to the other driver.
2. Social Media Drama: Oh, the joys of social media. Petty arguments, endless trolling, and the constant urge to engage in a digital mudslinging match. But then, you remember the burning coal. Engaging in online drama is like wading into a toxic swamp. You’re only going to get dragged down. So, you close the app, go for a walk, and remind yourself that real life is happening offline.
3. Workplace Conflict: That awkward office meeting where everyone is sniping at each other, egos are bruised, and the air is thick with tension. You feel the urge to defend yourself, to lash out, to prove your point. But then, you remember the burning coal. Holding onto resentment and bitterness will only poison your work environment. So, you choose to listen with empathy, to seek common ground, and to prioritize collaboration over conflict.
4. Dealing with Difficult People: We all encounter those individuals who seem determined to push our buttons. The negative coworker, the judgmental neighbor, the family member who always has to have the last word. It’s easy to get sucked into their negativity, to mirror their behavior. But then, you remember the burning coal. Engaging in their drama is like stepping into their own personal inferno. So, you set boundaries, choose compassion over confrontation, and remember that you have the power to control your own reactions.
5. Personal Frustrations: Life throws curveballs. Deadlines loom, relationships falter, and sometimes, things just don’t go according to plan. Frustration can easily escalate into anger, leading to self-sabotage and unnecessary stress. But then, you remember the burning coal. Holding onto frustration is like carrying a heavy weight. So, you acknowledge the frustration, allow yourself to feel it, and then choose to let it go. You practice self-compassion, focus on solutions, and remember that life is a journey, not a race.
Ultimately, “putting down the burning coal” is about cultivating inner peace and choosing love over anger in all aspects of our lives. It’s about recognizing that holding onto negativity only harms ourselves, while cultivating compassion and understanding opens doors to greater joy, fulfillment, and connection.
https://storynet.org/putting-down-the-burning-coal
May all beings be happy and free from suffering. Lokah somastah sukhino bhavantu ॐ
Light Being ॐ 
Leave a comment