04:42

How Can Meditation Help In Overcoming Desires For Revenge?

by Ven.Pomnyun Sunim

Type
talks
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
9

With English interpretation, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim's (법륜스님) Answer to “How can meditation help in overcoming desires for revenge?” A question chosen from the weekly Sunday meditation with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim(법륜스님). Peace of mind is only one step away.

MeditationRevengePeace Of MindKarmaBuddhismChristianityCompassionNon ViolenceEmpathyRevenge ContemplationKarma And ConsequencesBuddhist TeachingSpiritual TeachingCompassion PracticeEmpathy Development

Transcript

The first thing I want to tell you is that just because you had a desire to see bad things,

It doesn't mean that you can't get revenge.

It's just that you have a desire to see bad things,

It doesn't mean that you can't get revenge.

It's just that you have a desire to see bad things,

It doesn't mean that you can't get revenge.

It doesn't mean that you can't get revenge.

It's just that you have a desire to see bad things,

It happens to those who have hurt others.

It doesn't mean it's going to happen.

Basically,

The revenge is not going to happen.

At the same time,

Wishing for revenge is going to bother you more.

Also,

Further,

Even if you can actually execute a revenge,

Then you'll receive karma that way exceeds the revenge that you have gained.

So basically,

You can't avenge your way out of a wrong that you have seen.

That's why the Buddha taught us that you can't really right a wrong with a wrong.

And Jesus also taught us similarly that you can't exact a revenge with a revenge.

And he also taught us that you should love thy enemies.

It doesn't mean you have to like them.

Because they have their own lives.

And there are reasons that if you look at it from their perspective that drove them to commit such acts.

And once you realize,

Understand their reasons,

The rage that's burning inside you will disappear.

However,

If their continued actions continue hurting others,

Then we do have to prevent it and stop it.

So according to Buddha's teachings,

Basically he taught us to stop those things that hurt others in this world without rage and without using violence.

So Buddha did not tell us to just let things be.

So if I don't actually hold rage,

That actually causes less suffering to me.

So I'm at peace.

But however,

If we see things wrong being done to others,

It is also up to me to stop it.

And in Buddhism,

We have a saying that Buddha's kind of lexicon,

That attitude is called Bodhisattva's mind.

Basically,

It's the absence of rage,

But the presence of compassion.

However,

You have to stop that act that continues to victimize others.

And that is the act of a Bodhisattva.

So basically,

In conclusion,

The teaching is,

Without rage,

Do everything you can to prevent actions that harm others.

Meet your Teacher

Ven.Pomnyun SunimSeoul, South Korea

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© 2026 Ven.Pomnyun Sunim. All rights reserved. All copyright in this work remains with the original creator. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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