In the present context, Swami Vivekananda – words resonate profoundly, offering timeless wisdom on the power of love and the consequences of hatred. In a world often marked by division and animosity, his message serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of human emotions and actions. By cautioning against the cultivation of hatred towards others, Vivekananda highlights the inevitable cycle of negativity that such feelings perpetuate, ultimately returning to affect the one who harbors them. Conversely, he extols the virtues of love, suggesting that its expression creates a positive ripple effect, returning to enrich and complete the circle of compassion. In an era where empathy and understanding are increasingly valued, Vivekananda’s words serve as a guiding light, encouraging individuals to choose love over hatred for the betterment of themselves and society as a whole.
Answer
In the above quote Swami Vivekananda encapsulates the importance of spreading love and abstaining from being hateful.
It is believed that if we hold hatred in our minds, then our minds become a devil’s place which feeds on the negativity and ultimately hurts us. Whereas spreading the love has a positive cascading effect on others as well as ourselves.
There by signifying the cyclical and reciprocal nature of love and hatred.
Gautama Buddha once held that “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.”
The circle of hatred and its implications
- Self-Destructive Emotion: Hatred often consumes one’s own peace of mind and emotional well-being over time, making it a self-destructive emotion.
- e.g. the deep-seated hatred among European nations before World War I exacerbated the issue.
- Impact on Relationships: Hatred strains relationships, leading to stress and conflict.
- Ex: Two colleagues’ animosity from a past disagreement affects their productivity and well-being.
- “We reap what we sow” – Hitler’s hatred for Jews led to his own eventual downfall and death.
- Decline of one’s own psychological health – continuous feeling of hatred, Continuous feelings of jealousy and resentment can lead to depression and anxiety disorders.
The virtuous circle of love
- Acts of Kindness: Love motivates individuals to engage in acts of kindness, such as helping, supporting, and caring for others, leading to a cycle of positivity.
- For e.g. helping a neighbour with groceries, can inspire others to do the same, creating a chain of goodwill.
- Societal harmony – For instance, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa promoted forgiveness and love as a means to overcome a history of hatred during apartheid. The society built on love continues to remain strong.
- Self-improvement and contentment – when we do acts of love, compassion and kindness. Through this we uphold the ideal of being a humane entity and not merely human.
- Global solidarity – as witnessed during the COVID Pandemic response. India’s Vaccine Maitri spread the message of love and generated a reservoir of goodwill for it.
Swami Vivekananda’s profound message serves as a guiding light, urging individuals to choose love and compassion over hatred. By choosing love and compassion, we can initiate a virtuous cycle that not only enriches our lives but also contributes to the well-being of our communities, nations, and the world at large.
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