The tongue is like a sharp knife that kills without drawing blood. -- the Buddha
Caustic radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh has been at it again -- this time, mocking and mimicking the way the Chinese President talks and then refusing to apologize for being rude. This has caused advertisers to boycott his radio show and a massive outcry among Asian-American lawmakers for what they call racist and derogatory remarks.
Rush has a huge and devoted following who believe every word he says. Bringing others down with him is the worst kind of destruction as it inevitably breeds further hate and delusion. An Asian lawmaker requesting an apology from Limbaugh received death threats. When we speak lies, we hurt others and create suffering. When we speak truth, we encourage goodness.
Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill. -- the Buddha
Rush Limbaugh continually slams anyone who disagrees with how he sees the world, even at the cost of creating pain and suffering. Meanwhile, he happily basks in the media spotlight. Yet again, he is making fun of others and trying to boost his popularity at the same time. What a sad state of affairs. However, when we point a finger at another person, there are three fingers pointing back at us. When we put that kind of hate into the world, it will inevitably find its way back to us. In the end, we become the hated. When we get angry or hateful at Limbaugh for being so offensive, all we are doing is the same thing he is -- fanning the flame of hate. This helps no one, especially not us.
Many years ago, Ed was at a talk given by yoga master Swami Satchidananda. Suddenly, Satchidananda said, "And we even have to forgive Adolf Hitler." It totally blew Ed's mind, until Swami Satchidananda continued, "We don't forgive the horror of what he did, but we can see that he acted from ignorance and hope that he'll change."
Fast forward and apply this teaching to Rush Limbaugh. We can see his ignorance (it's pretty unavoidable) and hope that he'll become aware of the suffering he is causing and the ignorance he is perpetuating. We can hope that he'll change his ways. We can also wish him well. This is also for our own benefit -- so we don't hold on to such negativity. Hating someone doesn't benefit anyone; it is toxic and gives rise to greater stress. Extending kindness, however, generates greater compassion and inner peace.
The liberation of mind through loving-kindness has beauty as the highest perception. This is because no one appears repulsive to someone who abides in loving-kindness. -- the Buddha
Essentially, we all have basic goodness. However, as in the case of Limbaugh and his cohorts, the all-about-me syndrome and profound ignorance covers it up. Unfortunately, blaming Rush for this is a waste of time, as we would also have to blame the many factors that make up his life. None of us is separate. Rather, we are intimately inter-connected to each other and everything we have been through. Out of that arises either ignorance and delusion or respect and kindness.
It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways. -- the Buddha
In Tibetan Buddhism, it says to never put anyone out of our heart. One way is by holding our enemies -- anyone we have difficulties with -- closer than our friends. It's easy to love our friends, but so much more demanding to hold our adversaries in our hearts and wish them well. Yet, how liberating! It frees us of delusion and resistance, of anger and hatred. What more could we want?
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion; if you want to be happy, practice compassion. -- the Buddha
Can you wish well for someone you don't like? Do comment below. You can receive notice of our blogs every Tuesday by checking Become a Fan at the top.
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