“Lack of understanding of the true nature of happiness, it seems to me, is the principal reason why people inflict sufferings on others. They think either that the other’s pain may somehow be a cause of happiness for themselves or that their own happiness is more important, regardless of what pain it may cause. But this is shortsighted, no one truly benefits from causing harm to another sentient being. Whatever immediate advantage is gained at the expense of someone else is short-lived. In the long run causing others misery and infringing their rights to peace and happiness results in anxiety, fear and suspicion within oneself. Such feelings undermine the peace of mind and contentment which are the marks of happiness. True happiness comes not from a limited concern for one’s own well-being, or that of those one feels close to, but from developing love and compassion for all sentient beings. Here, love means wishing that all sentient beings should find happiness, and compassion means wishing that they should all be free of suffering. The development of this attitude gives rise to a sense of openness and trust that provides the basis for peace.” The Dalai Lama: A Policy of Kindness
I think in the current times it is necessary to point out that there is no absolute other, or opposite, may it be another person or a thing. Everything depends on one’s own mind. The mind is the powerful king that creates all experience.
This quote is actually very helpful to reduce attachment to one’s own beliefs and to consider others as equal in their right to pursue happiness. Respect, friendship and, ultimately, love are the parameters that we can develop in our hearts to understand the nature of consciousness. Progressively it will be revealed to us what lies at the basis of being. If we fail to at least maintain basic respect, for our fellow human beings, as well as animals and the environment, we will constantly be haunted by fear. This fear is a reflection of not knowing who we really are.
Instead of playing the zero sum game, we should therefore seek others’ happiness, fulfill the wishes of those who we consider enemy. The reciprocal nature of this relationship is ultimately fruitful.