Photography as Meditation: The Friday Flower. Sometimes just photos. Sometimes with writing. Appearing on Fridays.

better angels of our nature © 2009 Mahala Mazerov

When Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years in prison for anti-apartheid activities, he was a strong voice for reconciliation and negotiation. His efforts, along with others such as Bishop Desmond Tutu, helped South Africa transition to a multi-racial democracy.

In an interview soon after he was freed, someone asked how he could bear to interact with advocates of the apartheid policies which had caused such suffering. How could he not hate them yet alone work beside them?

His reply was very simple. He said, “It is hard to hate someone you have prayed for every day.”

His words remind me of one of the stanzas in the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. This ancient teaching is one of my Teacher’s favorites. He encourages us to read the short text every day to train our minds in love and compassion.

Stanza 20:

If outer foes are destroyed while not subduing the enemy of one’s own hatred, enemies will only increase. Therefore, subduing one’s own mind with the army of love and compassion is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.

How can you subdue your own mind with the army of love and compassion?

Is there someone you need to pray for today? What prayers would you say?