Have You Ever Become The Thing That You Despise?
I watched as a friend was banned from social media for espousing hate. A good person. A kind heart. Not a violent person. But their words showed hate toward and a wish for harm to come upon a prominent politician. But it is ironic. This person believes the politician hates and wishes harm upon certain groups in society. So this person now hates and wishes harm upon a certain group in society (that politician and supporters). The only difference is that the politician has the power to take action where my friend does not have that same power.
They believe the politician hates certain groups so now they hate and wish harm on the politician. There is a certain hypocrisy in that. But nonetheless people engage in this because they believe it is useful.
This concept transcends politics and other social issues yet it is in these spaces that it shows up.
Be the change you wish to see in the world
The above quote is not directly attributable to Gandhi but it is great advice. How does this relate to my friend? Well my friend is perpetuating hate and harm. As are many of the people around me. The price of hate and harm is more hate and harm. If we are on the more powerful side we may suppress the hate and harm that is coming back to us through karma, but it never goes away. It festers. And like this, we are part of the wheel of hate and harm. The cycle and the recycling.
So, if you wish for hate and violence in the world then be hateful and support violence.
Another acquaintance is embroiled in a race war. Again a beautiful soul with good intentions. But that person has hate and contempt for people of a different skin colour. And in particular for people that do not share their view. They have in fact become the thing they despise – prejudiced, angry and hateful based on skin colour whilst being bullying, manipulative and abusive to people who disagree and who have a particular skin colour.
And the cycle continues. If you want racism in the world, “be the racism you want to see in the world”.
If you want the world to be a more peaceful and happy place. “Be the peace and happiness you wish to see in the world”.
But this is not so easy. For this we need to be content.
And that is why I meditate.
Love the closing 🙏
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