Attachment to Right and Wrong Inevitably Brings Harm

Attachment to Right and Wrong Inevitably Brings Harm

Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III taught:

“In a dispute about right and wrong, there is nothing worse than to stick to one’s position and continue arguing, thus compounding one’s wrong and finally getting into trouble. For this reason, one should not let oneself be overwhelmed by disputes.”

The meaning is that matters of right and wrong are not something we should become attached to. Attachment to them can only bring harm, misfortune, and even calamity. Therefore, when we encounter disputes over right and wrong, we must not become attached to them.

When such disputes arise, let others debate among themselves. Let them say whatever they wish to say. Otherwise, once we become entangled in disputes over right and wrong, arguments will inevitably follow. People will try to determine who is telling the truth and who is not, who is right and who is wrong, and this can lead to verbal conflict.

Moreover, neither side is usually willing to concede. Each side believes that it is right. In the end, after a great deal of time and energy has been wasted, the question of who is right and who is wrong may still remain unresolved. Instead, the situation may continue to escalate, relationships may deteriorate, and conflicts between people may become increasingly complicated. Eventually, this can lead to serious trouble and, in extreme cases, even violence, loss of life, and other calamities.

Therefore, once we understand that we should not become attached to matters of right and wrong, we should not keep such matters in our hearts when we encounter them. As time passes, the disputes will naturally and gradually fade away, because their very nature is impermanent. Thus, when confronted with matters of right and wrong, not holding them in our hearts benefits both ourselves and others.

The Story of Two Tigers and a Cunning Fox

There is a story about two fierce tigers named Shanya and Shanbo who lived deep in the mountains long ago. The two tigers were good friends and lived together in harmony.

There was also a cunning fox that was lazy, greedy, and deceitful. It survived by scavenging the remains of the prey left behind by the two tigers and followed them around every day.

Although the fox depended on the two tigers for survival, it was also extremely afraid of them. It worried that one day, if the tigers failed to catch any prey, they might turn against it, and its very life could be in danger. The fox therefore devised a scheme to sow discord between the two tigers.

Because of the fox’s instigation, the next time the two tigers met, Shanya attacked Shanbo first.

Shanbo did not immediately fight back. Instead, he chose to retreat.

As Shanya continued attacking, he angrily rebuked Shanbo:

“Why did you tell the other animals that you are better than me in every way?”

Upon hearing this, Shanbo realized that something was wrong. He urged Shanya to calm down and explained:

“The truth is that the fox told me that you had been telling the other animals that I was inferior to you in every way.”

When Shanya heard this, he too realized that something was amiss. He immediately stopped fighting.

The two tigers resolved their misunderstanding and reconciled. From that time onward, they once again lived together peacefully, and tranquility returned to the forest.

The Lesson of the Story

This story teaches us not to readily believe rumors, become attached to disputes over right and wrong, or act impulsively without first understanding the situation. Had Shanbo immediately fought back instead of remaining calm, the fox’s deception could have led to serious consequences.

In our own lives, becoming entangled in arguments over who is right and who is wrong can consume our time and energy, damage relationships, and cause conflicts to escalate. Sometimes, the more we try to prove ourselves right, the more deeply we become entangled in the dispute.

Once we understand that matters of right and wrong are impermanent, we can learn not to let them occupy our hearts. When we refuse to be drawn into unnecessary disputes, they may gradually fade away. In this way, letting go of attachment to right and wrong benefits both ourselves and others.

Author: Duochi
Editor: Qu Yichen

Link：https://myhappylifestyle.net/2026/09/16/attachment-to-right-and-wrong-inevitably-brings-harm/

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