Enmity

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

The Buddha once said, ‘Enmity never comes to cease through enmity. Enmity only ever comes to cease through non-enmity. This is a timeless truth.’

Over 2,500 years after these words were uttered we might add that it is indeed a timeless truth, but also one that is endlessly forgotten.

The use of the word non-enmity in the verse is worthy of note. Non-enmity here is not simply a synonym for loving-kindness. It has a broader meaning, including a number of wholesome mental states that may each contribute towards a wise response to enmity. Meeting enmity with mettā is an inspiring achievement, but for most people it can be a step too far. For them, empathy, patience and equanimity may be better goals.

The vital thing to bear in mind is that we need to make a special effort to be mindful in times of conflict. If we observe enmity in our heart, we should stop, realise that we have taken a wrong turning, and re-establish our mind in a wholesome mental state. Because with enmity in our heart – no matter how much certain we are that we are right and the other side is wrong – we will be unable to find a lasting solution to the conflict; we might achieve a short-term fix, but in the long-term we will only make matters worse. This is a timeless truth.

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.