Love

In the Dhammapada the Buddha teaches that in this world hate never dispels hate. Only love dispels hate. This is also expressed in the Quaker and other traditions. I would add that love dispels or alleviates pain, fear and hurt as well. I, often find it necessary to have very firm boundaries in saying "no" or "you cannot do that here" but to do so in a loving, understanding and compassionate way, a difficult but important combination. As I commented a couple of days ago and is well written by Patricia Loring "We can cultivate an environment among us which will foster one another’s spiritual growth by directing and redirecting intention and attention to God; by discouraging what draws us away; by loving support for each other in the vicissitudes of our utterly human lives; by respecting and cherishing the uniqueness of each life."