The Buddha on Cussing People Out

        This is my favorite story about the Buddha.

        A man heard about the Buddha and his teachings and decided if this "Buddha" ever came around he'd show him up for the fraud he was. One day he received his opportunity when Buddha came walking into the village. The man immediately went to the Buddha and started cursing at him, calling him a fraud, asking who he thought he was to be teaching people such things.
        Buddha ignored him.
        For several days the man followed Buddha around doing his best to get a response, but failing miserably each time.
        Finally, before leaving the village, Buddha turned to the man and quietly said, "May I ask you a question."
        The man was startled. He nodded his head.
        Buddha smiled. "If somebody gives you a gift and you don't accept it, to whom does the gift belong?"
        The man considered, then responded, "It belongs to the person who gave it."
        Buddha smiled. "And so," he said, "do I not accept your gift."
        Devastated, the man lowered his head in shame and walked away.