Animosity does not eradicate animosity. Only by loving-kindness is animosity dissolved.Loving-kindness (or metta) is the desire to provide for the welfare and happiness of the world; literally it means benevolence; its natural way is promoting friendliness; to achieve it we have to see with kindness. When it succeeds it eliminates ill-will; when it fails it degenerates into selfish desires. (From sources)
The Buddha is said to have demonstrated this by interposing himself between two men who were fighting with swords - care for their well-being with no regard for his self.
The Dalai Lama has demonstrated it with his refusal to condemn China, a country which ravaged his homeland and murdered his people. He simply said "They too are human beings who struggle to find happiness and they deserve our compassion." When asked how it is possible to hold such a position, free of anger and with no desire for revenge, he describes his meditation where he allows all the suffering of his people and of their oppressors to enter his heart and be transformed into compassion.
What a tall order. It shows me how small my own efforts at loving-kindness are - and reminds me how easily I am thwarted by an inability to manifest unconditional love for all. But I can try by doing what I can ... and by meditating on love or loving-kindness.
No comments:
Post a Comment