Hatred is a Burden We Cannot Affford to Carry

“He was angry with me, he attacked me, he defeated me, he robbed me” – those who dwell on such thoughts will never be free from hatred.

“He was angry with me, he attacked me, he defeated me, he robbed me” – those who do not dwell on such thoughts will surely become free from hatred.”

                                                                                The Dhammapada – Twin Verses

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hatred surrounds us

hatred is a heavy burden we carrying inside us

we have created a culture of hatred

because we have chosen never to lay down

anything

whatever has happened to us as individuals

whatever has happened to us as a nation

we hang on to

as if these wounds were a sacred gift

to be nurtured

all things become an occasion for hate

a reason for anger and violence

“never forget” we cry

and so we attack

and we hang signs in our windows

and we denigrate even the innocent

and our hearts

grow heavy and cold

and we are no longer

lights in the darkness

we are bowed

and heavy

lost

and nearing

what can only be, a kind of death

O Sacred One do not allow hatred to win

help us to lay down the burden

we carry

we know there we be occasions for anger

and moments when we must protect

but deliver us from our sad need

to hang on to wrongs

to nurture our woundedness

keep us from perversely carrying

with us

that which we must let go

if we are to have

glad an joyful hearts

and be your people

lights in the darkness

help us lighten our hearts

fill us with

your Presence

that you might shine

through

us