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“For hate is not conquered by hate: hate is conquered by love. This is a law eternal.”

~ Siddhartha Gautama, The Buddha

(Dhammapada vs. 5)

often quoted, and a myriad of translations of this verse, it remains for me, the foundation and the guidepost for all other teachings.

this version comes from the translation i have on my shelf, translated from the Pali by Juan Mascaro, for Penguin Classics. in particular, i like this version of very last phrase, “This is a law eternal”, which elicits the idea that this love that is the solution, is at the very foundation of reality and existence itself without beginning, without end. it has an ancient tone to it. other translations use words such as eternal rule, unending truth, unalterable law, etc. 

just before this, the Buddha gives insight into what can lead us to hatred. he says in verses 3-4:

“He insulted me, he hurt me, he defeated me, he robbed me.’ Those who think such thoughts will not be free from hate. ‘He insulted me, he hurt me, he defeated me, he robbed me.’ Those who think not such thoughts will be free from hate.”

so it seems that our ability and commitment to letting go, to not holding onto grievances, is itself an act of love for ourselves and others, and assists in creating an environment and world free from hate, where harm is not perpetually perpetrated. whereas, holding on to grievances, carrying anger and resentment, is not a path of love for ourselves and others, and will not bring us or the world peace.

this challenges us to find ways of undoing the harm and wrongs of this world, while also having accountability, and also doing so without seeding the ground with more harm and wrongdoing, or fostering hate.

may we all sit with this wisdom, and allow it to permeate every cell in our bodies, that we may live in such a way of love, that the world benefits from our lives and we no longer contribute to harm.

~j

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