People think they can punish someone or teach someone a lesson, all in the name of justice. Leave that kind of justice alone!

You’ve been deceived and disappointed… Granted, but why go around complaining? You may say it’s for the sake of fairness… But it is this notion of justice that lies at the root of all unhappiness. People think they can punish someone or teach someone a lesson, all in the name of justice. Leave that kind of justice alone! ‘So, what should I do?’ Adopt a principle that goes beyond justice, a principle of love, kindness and generosity. It has been two thousand years since Jesus brought this new teaching to humankind, telling them, ‘Love your enemies’, or ‘If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.’ But Christians continue to enforce the law of Moses: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. They have not yet understood that to become truly great and free, you should not demand an eye for an eye. Do you think you will feel triumphant when you see your enemy floored? You may not be that proud of yourself, and you may even be sorry for what you have done. But it will be too late, and by doing this you will have set up very bad conditions for your evolution.