An Example of Buddha’s Words in Action, by Michelle Welch

Hatreds never cease through hatred
(in this world);
through love alone they cease.
This is an eternal law.
– Buddha

I found a compelling example of this thinking in action in a recent book I read – not a dharma book but the memoir Shrill by feminist journalist and fat acceptance activist Lindy West. Among her many stories of having been attacked online for expressing her views, she relates a particularly chilling account of being trolled by someone who created a Twitter account posing as her dead father. She wrote a post for Jezebel about the incident and, surprisingly, the troll emailed her to apologize. “I think my anger towards you stems from your happiness with your own being,” this man explained. “It offended me because it served to highlight my unhappiness with my own self.”

West goes on to describe her feelings about this incident:

“Trolls still waste my time and tax my mental health on a daily basis, but honestly, I don’t wish them any pain. Their pain is what got us here in the first place.

“If what he said is true, that he just needed to find some meaning in his life, then what a heartbreaking diagnosis for all of the people who are still at it. I can’t give purpose and fulfillment to millions of anonymous strangers, but I can remember not to lose sight of their humanity the way that they lost sight of mine.

“Humans can be reached. I have proof. …

“It’s hard to feel hurt or frightened when you’re flooded with pity. It’s hard to be cold or cruel when you remember it’s hard to be a person.”

This is a remarkable example of putting compassion in action, even in the most difficult circumstances, and a particularly modern demonstration of the Buddha’s timeless words