Reply #133: Andy... I've been reading... [View All]

quite a bit lately on dealing with difficult situations, people, pain, loss--from the Buddhist literature and particularly those from the Dalai Lama with western writers (who bring our own perspective to the table).

Now, I don't say this to send you to the bookstore/library or nearest Buddhist retreat. Only that the common sense that comes from it seems to apply, whether you are agnostic, Christian, atheist, Jewish, or whatever. I've had quite a bit of similar circumstance in my own life in the past 18 months to deal with and I too am struggling.

The essence to me as it applies to your issue, is that every action has repercussions and can intentionally or unintentionally result in hurt or pain for others. But, intent is important. If the "scales" weigh (in your own "pure" mind) towards larger benefit for more people, for the long term, and for the larger issues, than the pain you may cause the few--it may be justified. It is their karma, after all and you can't prevent that from happenng. But, if what you are pondering is truly a reaction from your pain, anger, hurt, and without larger benefit, then your "challenge" is to set the truth forth without that element or retribution to others-- or perhaps to let it be.