Hate Never Ends by More Hate
“Hatred is never ended by hatred. It is only ended by love. This is an eternal truth.”
Dhammapada – Yamaka Vagga – Verse 5
The Story: Two Mothers and a Vengeful Spirit
Long ago in the city of Sāvatthi, a desperate woman ran to the Jetavana Monastery, clutching her infant son to her chest. She wasn’t running from an ordinary threat—she was running from something unseen, something terrifying: a vengeful spirit who had pursued her across lifetimes.
That spirit was Kāliyakkhinī, and her hatred was ancient.
In a past life, the two women had been co-wives of the same man. One was barren, the other fertile. Jealous and afraid of being cast aside, the barren wife secretly caused the other to miscarry multiple times. On the third attempt, the younger wife died in childbirth, her heart filled with rage. Before her final breath, she swore vengeance—not only against her rival, but against her rival’s children, life after life.
And so the hatred continued.
Over lifetimes they were reborn again and again: as animals, as enemies, and now, one as a nobleman’s daughter, the other as a wrathful spirit, still hunting her.
But that day, when the mother ran to the Buddha and placed her baby at his feet, the cycle stopped.
The Buddha called for the spirit. She could not enter the monastery, but she listened.
He reminded them both of the pain they had caused—and carried—for lifetimes. He showed them that no one wins when hate is answered with more hate. That only forgiveness, only compassion, could bring peace.
Something changed.
The woman, trembling, was asked by the Buddha to hand her child over to the spirit. She hesitated—but trusted him. And when she did, the spirit gently cradled the child, kissed him, and gave him back.
Just like that, the hatred ended.
Reflection: The Ancient Truth Still Holds
The Buddha didn’t say this was a nice idea. He said it was a timeless law—“esa dhammo sanantano.” This isn’t just Buddhist poetry—it’s a practical truth:
Hurt people hurt people. Unless someone chooses to stop.
That’s the choice the Buddha offers us in this verse:
Let go, or pass it on.
Heal, or continue the harm.
Choose peace, or keep the fire burning.
This teaching speaks loudly in a world still ruled by retaliation and revenge. Whether it’s between nations, neighbors, or family—resentment never leads to peace. Someone has to choose compassion. Someone has to go first.
A Thought for the Day
Is there someone in your life who hurt you—and you’re still holding on?
What might it feel like to simply… stop?