Buddhadharma: Our Enemies are our Greatest Teachers.

“I must emphasize that merely thinking that compassion and reason and patience are good, will not be enough to develop them. We must wait for difficulties to arise and then attempt to practice these qualities. And who creates such opportunities? Not our friends, of course, but our enemies. They are the ones who give us the most trouble. So if we truly wish to learn, we should consider enemies to be our best teacher!

When a problem first arises, try to remain humble and maintain a sincere attitude and be concerned that the outcome is fair. Of course, others may try to take advantage of you, and if your remaining detached only encourages unjust aggression, adopt a strong stand. This, however, should be done with compassion, and if it is necessary to express your views and take strong countermeasures, do so without anger or ill intent.

Anger and hatred are our real enemies. These are the forces we need to confront and defeat, not the temporary “enemies” who appear intermittently throughout life.” ~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Source: the wonderful Shambhala Sun.