Why should we want to help our enemies or to give them happiness? Here are
various useful ideas to consider. One approach is to think that the harm they
have done us is, in fact, the result of our own past negative actions through
which we have set ourselves up as a target for their harm. We could also
consider how those who harm us are totally driven by their disturbing
emotions.
If someone in our family, someone we love dearly, becomes insane and tries
to harm us, we wouldn't think of taking revenge but would try to help them
regain a normal state of mind. Living beings, our mothers, are crazed by
their disturbing emotions. Those who harm us are in particular need of our
love and compassion. (p.52)
-- Geshe Sonam Rinchen, "The Bodhisattva Vow", translated and edited by
Ruth Sonam, published by Snow Lion Publications
|