My dear friends,
The twentieth precept under the seventh point in Geshe Chekawa's Mind Training in Seven Points is:
This precept, shared across both Buddhist and Christian traditions, reminds us that holding onto anger and seeking revenge impedes our spiritual growth. When we harbor thoughts of retaliation, we close off our hearts to the transformative qualities of patience, compassion, and generosity. Instead of allowing ourselves to be consumed by anger, these teachings encourage us to rise above the instinct to retaliate, thereby nurturing our spiritual development.
Such as venerating the Buddhas, and generosity
That have been amassed over a thousand aeons
Will all be destroyed in one moment of anger.
- Shantideva, Bodhisattvacharyavatara, VI(1)
— for those who brood on this, hostility is not stilled.
- Dhammapada, Verse 3
- James 1:20
Buddhist scriptures make it clear that anger not only destroys the merit of our good deeds but also perpetuates the cycle of hostility. Similarly, Christian teachings warn us that, for humans, there is no such thing as righteous anger. In both traditions, we are urged to let go of our anger and resentment, understanding that these emotions block our ability to cultivate a peaceful and compassionate spirit.
Thus I should strive in various ways to meditate on patience.
- Shantideva, Bodhisattvacharyavatara, VI(2)
— for those who do not brood on this, hostility is stilled.
- Dhammapada, Verse 3
Shantideva's words remind us that there is no greater enemy to our spiritual well-being than hatred. By embracing patience, we dismantle the power of anger and open the door to compassion. The Dhammapada reiterates this by contrasting the turmoil of harboring grudges with the peace that comes from letting go. This message is echoed in the Christian scriptures, where the call to love our enemies and turn the other cheek reflects the transformative power of forgiveness and forbearance.
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."
If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also;
and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt."
- Luke 6:27-29
The teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke highlight the radical nature of Christian love and forgiveness. To love our enemies and to offer the other cheek when struck is to transcend the human desire for retaliation. Both Buddhist and Christian scriptures challenge us to reject the path of retribution and instead cultivate a heart that responds with kindness, even in the face of aggression. This practice not only heals our own hearts but also has the potential to transform the hearts of others.
The wisdom of emptiness and dependent arising, central concepts in Buddhist philosophy, provide insights that can help us overcome anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge. These teachings not only reveal the true nature of reality but also guide us in cultivating compassion and generosity.
Understanding Emptiness and Dependent Arising
Emptiness refers to the idea that all phenomena are devoid of inherent, independent existence. Nothing exists in and of itself, apart from causes and conditions. This concept is closely linked to dependent arising, which teaches that everything arises in dependence on other factors; nothing comes into being independently.
How This Wisdom Helps Us Let Go of Negative Emotions
1. Recognizing the Illusory Nature of Anger and Resentment
When we deeply understand that our anger and resentment arise from causes and conditions and that these emotions are not inherently fixed, we begin to see them as transient and conditioned responses. This realization weakens the grip these emotions have on us, making it easier to let them go.
2. Seeing the Interconnectedness of All Beings
Dependent arising shows us that our actions, thoughts, and emotions are interconnected with those of others. This understanding can cultivate empathy and compassion, as we realize that others, like us, are also caught in the web of suffering caused by ignorance of the true nature of reality.
3. Dissolving the Self-Centered View
Emptiness teaches that the self we cling to so tightly does not exist independently. By letting go of the illusion of a solid, separate self, we can diminish the ego-driven desire for revenge and retribution. This opens the heart to compassion and generosity because we no longer see ourselves as isolated beings but as part of a greater whole.
4. Transforming Negative Emotions into Compassion
When we understand that our emotions and those of others arise due to ignorance of the true nature of reality, we can transform our anger and resentment into compassion. Instead of reacting with hostility, we can respond with kindness, knowing that everyone is struggling with the same delusions.
5. Embracing Patience and Forgiveness
With the wisdom of emptiness and dependent arising, we see that there is no fixed entity to be harmed or to seek revenge. This realization encourages patience and forgiveness, as we understand that holding onto negative emotions is futile and counterproductive to our spiritual growth.
Opening the Way to Compassion and Generosity
When we let go of anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge, we create space in our hearts for compassion and generosity to flourish. These virtues are the natural expressions of a mind that understands the emptiness and interconnectedness of all beings. Compassion arises naturally when we see others' suffering as our own, and generosity flows when we recognize that giving benefits both the giver and the receiver in the interconnected web of existence.
By integrating the wisdom of emptiness and dependent arising into our lives, we can transform our negative emotions into powerful forces for good, leading to a more peaceful, compassionate, and generous way of being.