TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK
When I was a little girl, I could never understand the concept of turning the other cheek. To me it seemed ridiculous not to fight back when you’ve been attacked. My grandfather was a very peaceful, gentle man and he not only believed in this precept but literally practiced it. I thought it was a weakness in him that he never raised his voice in anger. Now I recognize that it was a strength. When somebody realizes that they cannot hurt you, incite you to respond or crush your spirit, you become invincible. Jesus knew this, and Gandhi and the Dalai Lama. Forgiveness of those who do us wrong actually gives us power, because we are not placed in the position of reacting to external events.
A few years ago I had a disagreement with a business partner, which because of my hostility turned ugly and resulted in protracted litigation. Even though this person’s behavior was not ethical – by my standards anyway – my anger and resentment towards him caused us both a lot of suffering and hardships, both financial and psychological.
Looking back on it now, I realize how much emotional trauma could have been avoided if I had just chosen to forgive and move on. My desire to exact revenge and the steps I took to get it, by hiring expensive attorneys, caused the situation to drag on and ruined any chance we may have had for a peaceful resolution.
If I had it to do again, I would turn the other cheek. I feel certain that he would not have slapped it.
If only our leaders could recognize this universal truth, and instead of lashing out at our “enemies” by waging war on them, make an effort to understand their point of view and aim for a peaceful diplomatic solution – at least as a first resort.
