You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for Eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy’ but I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even the tax collectors do that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly father is perfect.
Be observers of the truth so when unwanted situations appear you are able to rely on your greater awareness of sensations and are in tune with changes in your respiration so that with equanimity you are able to remain of balanced mind so that you can act out of wisdom, compassion and love instead of blind compulsion.
Meditation gives us an understanding of the fact that we are surrounded by imperfection and therefore should not be provoked into reacting negatively to situations ruining our peaceful, loving spirit. Meditation facilitates us in calling ourselves to higher standards of sowing peace and harmony to those around us. We are able to plant seeds of goodwill and deflect negativity. Disciplining our minds brings us to the realisation that those who inflict pain and misery on others are themselves suffering, so out of love and compassion we are eager to show them a way out of their misery.
