People don't die from a snake bite just because of the physical wound. The venomous poison injected by the snake into the victim's bloodstream is the real culprit. This poison can cause various harmful effects, including tissue damage, paralysis, and organ failure, ultimately leading to death.
However, there is another reason why people may die from a snake bite, and that is fear. Fear can be so intense that it triggers a series of reactions in the body, including an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. These reactions can lead to shock, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Now let's relate this to our interpersonal relationships. Just as a snake bite can inject venom into our bodies, hurtful words spoken by someone can inject negative emotions into our minds. If we allow these negative emotions to take root and fester inside us, they can harm us in much the same way that snake venom harms the body.
However, if we learn to cultivate mindfulness and detachment, we can prevent these negative emotions from taking hold. Just as a snake's venom can only harm us if it enters our bloodstream, hurtful words can only harm us if we allow them to enter our minds. Through the practice of meditation, we can learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without getting swept away by them. We can learn to cultivate a sense of detachment and equanimity that allows us to remain calm and centered in the face of adversity.
In summary, just as we can prevent the harmful effects of a snake bite by taking appropriate action, we can also prevent the harmful effects of hurtful words by cultivating mindfulness and detachment. By learning to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, we can prevent them from controlling us and causing us harm.