Once, a government officer met a monk. The officer wanted to prove that he was superior, so he said, “Do you know what I think of you and your teachings?” The monk replied, “Everyone has the right to have his own opinion.” The officer said, “I think you are just a pile of rubbish.” The monk simply smiled. The officer then asked the monk, “So, what do you think of me?” The monk said, “In my eyes, you are like the Buddha.” The officer was very pleased. He went home and told his wife about the incident. His wife said, “A person whose heart is like a pile of rubbish will see everyone like that. The monk has a heart like that of the Buddha and so for him even you are a Buddha!” The officer realised his mistake and felt very foolish.
Moral: Our attitude decides our outlook.
