General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: My asshole brother went to that attempted coup and stepped inside the capitol... [View all]vlyons
(10,252 posts)Distancing from him is probably best, so as to not to allow him to agitate and disturb your peace of mind.
As a Buddhist, I have decided, once and for all, whether the negativity, stupidity, and ignorance I perceive in others are the actual causes of my annoyancewarranting my criticism, resentment, and retributionor rather are the causes only of their own suffering, and so deserve nothing but my compassionate, and skillful response. If I do not decide this, from the core of my heart, I shall remain only half a virtuous person, at best.
It is our strong presumption and habit to imagine that the words and actions of others are based on the same defiled thoughts and motivation as our own, like a baby deer, stamping her hoof defiantly at her reflection in the glass door of the temple.
Willingly suspending the belief that everyone I meet necessarily thinks like me is the glass doorway that allows entry to the halls of grace and devotion, wherein a realized being may transfer her blessings.