Expert: Justin Choo - 9/10/2005

Question
hello again my friend, I hope you are well.  I find myself frustrated this week. You see, I work long shifts as a paramedic (12 sometimes 14 hours).  And this particular week I'm working with a rather unpleasant individual.  She is angry, impatient, rude, and generally not nice to be around. Now I've tried to be understanding, I've tried to think that this is my chance to practice the dharma and be compassionate towards her.  But I have to say, I find myself very frustrated.  Why does it have to be so?  Why do some people have to go through life so angry? It just makes me sad (and its hard to work with too).  Does the attitude of some people in this world not sadden even you, and others like you who practice the dharma so fully?  

Answer
Hi Greg,

I'm fine except the irritating coughs which started today.  That makes me very tired.  That's the reason for the slight delay in my reply.

The fact that you realize the situation is an achievement in itself.  It is this realization of the true picture that we see the Dhamma.  So long as we realize our reactions to situations, we are learning.  This is treading the path of Dhamma.  We learn to be a better person through our personal experiences.  If you are forever patient with all difficult situations, you would be a saint by now; and I will be out of job!

It is easy to recommend radiating metta.  But let's be more practical.  Get annoyed and reflect on the bad effects of this annoyance.  Perhaps this will help us to realize that each time we get annoyed, we feel terrible.  And if we don't want to feel terrible, perhaps a little less annoyance can help.

Smile from justinchoo :-)