Blind and Toothless

Love your enemy has got to be the most ignored teachings of Christ. Christians will dig up obscure Old Testament teachings to justify hate, but something from lips of Jesus himself is ignored. It's a hard lesson.

Why would Jesus say something like that? Is it because he was the son of God and only a supreme being could do such a thing? We'd like to think so, but if you start to pick and choose his teachings, where does that lead? Jesus didn't teach that for he benefit of your enemies, but for the benefit of your soul.

The Buddha teaches that revenge is a hot coal one holds in their hand hoping to someday throw it at their enemy. Who really suffers? Hate and revenge are heavy burdens to carry. In the land of eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth, all are blind and toothless.

Jesus said to turn the other cheek. We are supposed to absorb some insult and then be willing to accept a bit more. Hard hard lessons.

On my spiritual path I also studied martial arts. I know what to do after turning the other cheek. Sometimes people may cross your path who've come to you for a lesson. As part of their lesson, they may suffer injury or die. One can learn to fight without hate. Hate is fear.

Then again, it is said that the most advanced martial artists can win a battle without ever throwing a blow. Insults do not touch them. Hate washes over them like a mild summer breeze, barely mussing their hair.

I am not such an advanced being. I own guns and know how to use them. I pray for the wisdom of knowing when.

Then there are the Reincarnationists. I asked one gentle soul about what we should do about psychopaths. “Kill them,” he said. “They should be released from their prison of flesh so that they can have another turn on the wheel.”

Personally, I believe every person has the spark of godhood within them. It's my job to see that spark. Sometimes I have to look really really hard. I try to love my enemies as I'm too lazy to carry the heavy burden of fear and hate.

Parents love their children, but a good parent will discipline their child. Dealing with adults is a bit different. Sometimes you have to discipline the fuck out of them.

I know I'm a flawed being, just trying to get by in a world with too much fear and hate.

-Sixbears