Wholesome Wednesdays (WW): Bringing you curated positive content on Wednesdays to uplift your hump day.
When you lose your loved one to murder, how can you apply the Dhamma? Such tragic events are often opportunities for us to deeply reflect and learn. In addition, what perspectives should we take towards ‘cheering up’ somebody? Here are two stories for your reflection
1. ‘I am going to kill you!’ A mother uses the Dhamma to overcome her son’s murder.
2. Don’t tell me to look on the bright side.
‘I am going to kill you!’ A mother uses the Dhamma to overcome her son’s murder.
What’s going on here & Why we like it
Ajahn Jayasaro, a renowned Buddhist monk who resides in Thailand, shares in his short book about a mother who was screaming in court that she would kill her son’s killer if she could. The story then shares about her visiting the killer in prison after he is sentenced. The ending twist is petty cool, we won’t spoil it! Start from page 28!
We often think about the world in one way or another. The duality of things. If it is wrong, the punishment should be equal. This story forces us to reframe our minds according to the Dhamma and opens our minds to other possibilities even when our closed ones are forcibly taken from us.
I’ve killed it with my love, and now I’ve had my revenge
Wise Steps
- When was the last time we rethink the way we approach adversity in our life? Do we jump to the complaint/gossip mindstates immediately? What if there was a different way that would lead to long-term happiness?
Check out the story here on page 28 or below!
Don’t tell me to look on the bright side
What’s going on here & why we like it
Adam Grant, psychologist and author of the book ‘Think again’, shares on how we often think that our job is to cheer up those who are feeling down. We like it because his concise reflection talks about showing up for people. Which is probably the most difficult during hard times
‘I am here for all sides’
Wise Steps
- When a friend is down, is our first reaction to cheer them up? Or to listen and support. Rethinking the way we support others can matter in times of need.
Read it here
