When Hatred Ends, Love Begins: The Path to True Peace
I recently came across a beautiful passage that I’d like to remember and share with you.
It’s from the writings of Swami Paramananda Saraswati, a revered saint, sage, seer, and poet par excellence, who left a profound legacy of wisdom and literary wealth. He wrote about how love and hatred cannot coexist and how love unites humans with the divine and the beloved. It’s such a powerful message that resonates with many philosophical and spiritual teachings. Following is the exact passage:
“Hatred and love cannot coexist; when inner hatred is gone, love arrives. Love unites humans with the divine and the beloved. Without love, worship is just a ritual, and there’s no benefit. Ahimsa (non-violence) and pure food are the only ways to attain love. Even if someone destroys everything, think of their well-being. Don’t be unhappy with someone else’s happiness. Hurting someone’s mind with harsh words or criticism is also hatred.”
This profound statement encapsulates the essence of many philosophical and spiritual teachings.
It reminds me of other great figures in history, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, who spoke about similar sentiments.
Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized that “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”. This illustrates the transformative power of love over hate.
Nelson Mandela also believed that love is more natural to the human heart than hate, stating, “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love”
William Shakespeare also captured the intertwined nature of love and hate in his works, noting, “My only love sprung from my only hate”. This complex relationship between the two emotions further reinforces the idea that they cannot coexist peacefully.
Love overcoming conflict is a timeless theme in literature. We can find many notable examples.
The passage also talks about the importance of pure food in attaining love, which highlights the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual well-being.
Scientific research has shown that a healthy diet can have profound effects on our mental and emotional states. Nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, provide essential vitamins and minerals that support brain function and contribute to a positive mood.
Moreover, the notion of finding happiness in others’ well-being echoes the practice of Mudita, or sympathetic joy, in Buddhist philosophy.
Cultivating Mudita involves rejoicing in the happiness and success of others, free from envy or resentment.
This practice not only fosters a sense of interconnectedness and goodwill but also serves as a powerful antidote to the divisive nature of hatred.
In our daily lives, let us choose love and non-violence over hatred and discord. Let us release the burdens of bitterness and resentment and, instead, embrace actions that promote unity and understanding. By embodying the principles of love and non-violence, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the creation of a more peaceful and inclusive world.
Key Message: The main takeaway from this story is the transformative power of love over hatred, emphasizing that love and hatred cannot coexist. By embracing love, non-violence, and pure living, we can unite with the divine, foster unity among people, and contribute to a more peaceful world. This message of Swami Paramananda Saraswati resonates with the teachings of historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, and aligns with philosophical and spiritual wisdom across cultures. Let us choose love and non-violence to enrich our lives and create a more inclusive society.
