Sunday, June 6, 2010

ONE SHOULD NOT USE WORDS THAT OFFEND SOMEONE'S FEELINGS

ONE SHOULD NOT USE WORDS THAT OFFEND SOMEONE'S FEELINGS

A schoolteacher was a disciple of ShriMaharaj, He of­ten addressed those of his students who were dull, by such offensive names as "dolt", "dimwit", and "dullard". ShriMaharaj said to him, "Teacher, the minds of the chil­dren and their parents are hurt by such harsh words. So please use mild words." The teacher angrily retorted, "The reality has to be stated in plain words. No laxness can be tolerated in it." ShriMaharaj said, "Although this is so, in some respects a convention needs to be scrupulously ob­served. Imagine that you have gone out for a walk. Your wife is in the kitchen, cooking. Presently your son comes home and asks his mother, 'Where is your husband gone?' Will you find it acceptable ? Asking thus, or asking *Where is father gone?' both have the same meaning; actually the former accords more with the reality." The teacher drew an appropriate conclusion.

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