Someone Calling Us Bad Names Does Not Change Our Nature - Hinduism Perspective

How we respond to a problem depends largely or in most cases, solely, on how we perceive the problem. If a mentally disturbed person were to call us names, we would not bother and would probably pray for that person’s welfare.

On the other hand, if an otherwise healthy person were to verbally abuse us, we would not tolerate it and would come out with a fitting retort even before that person is finished. That would be our response because we perceive a threat in the verbal abuse.

Deeper thought would make us see our faulty perception in this instance. How does someone calling us something bad change our nature? It does not.

Apart from being disturbed by what you have heard, you do not change. And even that little disturbance would not occur if you choose not be affected by those meaningless words. Same is the case with anyone telling something bad about your body.

Say, someone calls you a cripple. How would it change your body, if you are healthy? It would not. That shows us that we are disturbed because of our identification with external circumstances that really do not mean much.

If we could train our mind to stay rooted in the reality of our personality and not be swayed by what we experience, then we could achieve much more in life.

Source - Prabuddha Bharata April 2016 issue

The statement "Someone calling us bad names does not change our nature" embodies a profound truth that resonates deeply within Hindu philosophy. It underscores the idea that our true essence is not defined by external labels or opinions but by our intrinsic nature, which is immutable and divine. Hinduism, with its vast array of scriptures, stories, and teachings, provides a rich framework to understand this concept more deeply.

1. Concept of Atman (The True Self):

In Hinduism, the concept of the Atman (soul or true self) is central. The Atman is considered eternal, pure, and beyond all worldly attributes. According to the Upanishads, the Atman is the true essence of an individual, untouched by the external world, including the words and actions of others.

The Chandogya Upanishad (8.7.1) teaches that the Atman is beyond the physical body and mind, which are temporary and subject to change. Thus, when someone calls us by bad names or labels, they are addressing the body or the ego, not the Atman, which remains unaffected and unchanged.

Quote:
“The Atman is neither born, nor does it die; it is neither created, nor is it destroyed. It is eternal, ancient, and beyond time.” - Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.25

2. Symbolism of Lotus Flower:

The lotus flower is a powerful symbol in Hinduism that represents purity and spiritual enlightenment. Despite growing in muddy waters, the lotus blooms with pristine beauty, untouched by the dirt around it. This symbolizes the ability of the soul to remain pure and unaffected by the negativity or harsh words of the external world.

Just as the lotus remains untainted by its surroundings, our true nature remains untouched by the words or judgments of others.

3. Story of Prahlada:

The story of Prahlada, from the Bhagavata Purana, is a profound example of remaining steadfast in one’s true nature despite external persecution. Prahlada was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, and despite facing severe punishments from his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu, he remained unshaken in his devotion and righteousness.

Even when his father called him deluded, weak, or foolish for his devotion, Prahlada’s nature did not change. His unyielding faith and inner purity eventually led to the downfall of Hiranyakashipu and the triumph of good over evil.

Moral: External negativity, no matter how severe, cannot alter the inherent goodness of a person who remains true to their inner self.

4. Importance of Equanimity (Samata):

The concept of Samata (equanimity) is emphasized throughout Hindu teachings. It is the state of being even-minded in all situations, whether faced with praise or criticism, pleasure or pain. The Vivekachudamani, a philosophical treatise by Adi Shankaracharya, teaches the importance of equanimity in life.

Quote:
“The wise man, who has a well-poised mind, remains unaffected by praise or blame, like a vast ocean that remains unmoved by the inflow of rivers.” - Vivekachudamani, Verse 173

Practicing equanimity helps us realize that external opinions do not define our true nature, which is steady and unchanging like the deep ocean.

5. Modern-Day Relevance:

In today’s world, where social media and public opinions often dominate, it’s easy to get swayed by what others say about us. The teachings from Hinduism remind us that our true worth and identity lie within us and are not determined by external validation or criticism.

Practically, this can be applied by:

• Self-reflection: Regular introspection through meditation or mindfulness practices helps in recognizing and connecting with our true self, which is beyond external judgments.
• Detachment: Cultivating a sense of detachment (Vairagya) from praise and blame allows us to remain centered and unaffected by the transient nature of external opinions.

6. Lesser-Known Facts:

• Turiya State: In Advaita Vedanta, the concept of Turiya refers to the fourth state of consciousness, beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It is a state of pure consciousness, where the true self (Atman) is realized, free from all dualities and unaffected by externalities.
• Pratipaksha Bhavana: This is a practice mentioned in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali where one cultivates positive thoughts to counteract negative ones. When someone calls us by bad names, instead of reacting, we can practice Pratipaksha Bhavana by reflecting on the goodness within us.

7. Practicality in Day-to-Day Life:

• Mindfulness: By practicing mindfulness, we become more aware of our thoughts and reactions, allowing us to consciously choose not to be affected by negative words.
• Focus on Inner Strength: Building inner strength through spiritual practices such as prayer, chanting, or studying scriptures can help fortify our mind against external negativity.
• Perspective: Understanding that others’ words are a reflection of their own state of mind, not ours, can help us remain unaffected.

The idea that someone calling us bad names does not change our nature is deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and connecting with our true self, which is eternal, pure, and unaffected by the external world. Through stories, symbolism, and teachings, Hinduism provides a timeless and practical guide to maintaining inner peace and equanimity in the face of external negativity. In today’s fast-paced and often judgmental world, these teachings remain as relevant and necessary as ever, reminding us to stay true to our nature regardless of external influences.