Reflections on Political Conflict

 

Many of us are feeling stress from the current political situation. This stress includes feelings of frustration, anger and even hatred toward people with political views different from our own.  These frustrations and conflicts are a totally normal part of human life--the result of the 3 poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance.  

Over 2000 years ago, Shakyamuni Buddha offered this observation to help people respond to conflicts in their lives:  “Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hate alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal.” (Dhammapada V. 5)

Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha Statue in Earth-Bearing-Witness Pose
PHOTO: Shakyamuni Buddha Statue (Photo Credit: Anne Spencer)

Shakyamuni’s teaching remains useful today, and can be applied in our daily lives. In the course of my day, I hear many perspectives on the current political and social situations—I agree with some and strongly dislike others. Among friends, relatives, online, and on TV I hear harsh and insulting comments regarding  others’ political views, the competence of various leaders and the sanity of those who voted for them. These  disagreements can affect relationships with family and friends.  And it breaks my heart to see relationships damaged because of political disagreements.

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As tensions rise, it can be hard to feel love for someone we intensely disagree with. But managing our attitude and adjusting our perspective can make a big difference. The opening teaching I shared says “Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal.”  Sometimes it is hard to feel “love” for someone who insults or threatens us or our community. This is why I like Shakyamuni’s term “non-hate.” “Non-hate” comes from the original Sanskrit term a-verena. “Non-hate” suggests that just because I don’t love someone, agree with them, enjoy being with them, or just watching them on TV,  I can choose to not-hate them. I can refrain from speaking harshly about them.  No matter how bad things are, we always have the option of responding to hatred with compassion and kindness. 

Other ways to respond with “non-hate” include curiosity, tolerance, humor, or sympathy. Human life is hard. Once we realize that everyone--including people we don't agree with or actively dislike--are suffering, it is be easier to understand their actions, even if we don’t agree with them. 

Anger and hatred do not solve any problems. And the cycle of hatred, once started, is difficult to stop.  So, as political tensions keep rising, I hope that I will find it in me to avoid hatred, anger, or disdain. Instead I hope I can ease tensions by meeting hatred with kindness and compassion (or at least “non-hate”). I encourage you to do the same—I think it’s what the Buddha would want us to do.

Wishing You All Peace,

Rev. Anne

Woman holding baby and while making a peace sign with her hands
PHOTO: Rev. Anne and Kirito wishing you all peace in the upcoming year.  

Location: Ontario, OR 97914, USA

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