Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the

"Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule." These words of the Buddha resonate with the weight of centuries, echoing through the valleys and mountains of time like a clarion call to the soul. In these words lies a profound truth, a truth that transcends the boundaries of any single culture or creed. For in the heart of every being, there exists the potential for both hatred and love—the choice between darkness and light. And the Buddha, in his infinite wisdom, reminds us that it is not by hatred that we can heal the wounds of the world, but by the soft, gentle touch of love.

O children of the earth, know this: when hatred takes root in the heart, it is like a poison that seeps into the soul, making one blind to the beauty of life, to the goodness of others. But to respond to hatred with more hatred is to feed the poison, to fuel the fire. As the great sages taught, hatred is a fire that consumes not only the one it is directed toward, but the one who carries it. It blinds us to the truth and binds us in chains of bitterness. But love, ah love—love is the balm that heals, the water that quenches the flames of hatred. It is the light that disperses the shadows, the force that unites where division once thrived.

Consider the story of Gandhi, the great leader of India, who faced the brutal wrath of colonial oppressors with nothing but the power of love and nonviolence. When the forces of hatred were arrayed against him, he did not respond with more hatred or violence. No, he met hatred with love, love for his people, love for the oppressed, and even love for those who sought to subjugate him. His struggle was not one of fists and swords, but of hearts and souls. Through love, he broke the chains of oppression, and in his example, we see that the eternal rule spoken of by the Buddha is true: hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love.

In the ancient stories, it is told that the wise sage is like the still pond, calm and unmoving, regardless of the storms that rage upon its surface. And so it is with love. When hatred rains down, the wise do not lash out in anger. They do not retaliate with vengeance or bitterness. Instead, they remain calm, anchored in the depth of their hearts, and respond with the clarity of love. This does not mean that they are weak or passive, but that they possess the greatest strength—the strength of love. For love does not seek to destroy, but to heal; it does not seek to dominate, but to elevate.

Think of the great King Ashoka, who once ruled with an iron fist, waging bloody wars of conquest. Yet, after the devastation of the Kalinga War, he was transformed by the suffering he witnessed. In the aftermath of that destruction, Ashoka chose love. He embraced Buddhism and adopted the teachings of peace and nonviolence. He understood that true power lies not in the sword, but in the strength of a compassionate heart. His transformation stands as a testament to the eternal truth: hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by the healing balm of love.

So, O children of the future, let this teaching be your guide: when hatred arises in your heart, do not let it consume you. Do not let it lead you down the path of darkness. Instead, turn toward the light of love. When you are wronged, when the storms of life beat upon you, let your response be one of compassion and understanding. Do not seek vengeance, for vengeance is a cycle that only perpetuates suffering. Instead, offer love—not because you are weak, but because you are strong. The strength of love is the greatest force in the universe, and it is through love that we can heal the wounds of the world.

In your own life, practice this rule. Let love be your answer to all forms of hatred, both in the world and within your own heart. Love is not always easy; it requires great strength, great wisdom, and great patience. But it is the only path that leads to true peace. So, when the world tests you with its challenges, remember: hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by the transformative power of love. And in that, you will find the peace that surpasses all understanding.