People We'd Rather Avoid

Metta (Loving-Kindness) is to be extended towards all beings and all manifestations, yet most of our difficulties lie with people. It is much easier to love birds, dogs, cats, and trees than it is to love people. Trees and animals don't answer back, but people do, so this is where our training commences. . . .

In our daily activities all of us are confronted with other people and often with those whom we would rather avoid. These are our challenges, lessons and tests. If we consider them in that manner we won't be so irritated by these experiences. . . .

When we realize that such a confrontation is exactly what we need at that moment in order to overcome resistance and negativity and substitute Metta(Loving-Kindness) for those emotions, then we will be grateful for the opportunity.


-Ayya Khema, "When the Iron Eagle Flies"