A Solid Rock

"As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, so the wise man does not waver before blame or praise."

- The Buddha

What the Buddha meant was that we should not allow the ego to be affected by praise or blame.

It is the ego that feels very happy when you are praised by someone.

And it is also the ego that feels hurt when someone expressed displeasure or blame on you.

Since both praise and blame are external to your ego, why should you allow your ego to feel anything at all?

You need to maintain a watchful mind and know that it is the ego that is feeling what you are feeling.

Maintain equanimity and just watch what arises in the ego.

Whether it is feelings of happiness because you are praised or feelings of hurt because you are blamed, just observe it and do not have any attachments to it.

Let it go and you will feel free - free from being driven by your ego.

And that is the path to true freedom...