Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love

The statement "Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love" is a profound and often quoted teaching attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. This teaching is sometimes summarized as "Hate never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed." It encapsulates a central idea in Buddhist philosophy and is often interpreted as a call for non-violence, compassion, and understanding as a means to resolve conflicts and reduce suffering.

The essence of this teaching is that responding to hatred or anger with more hatred and anger only perpetuates a cycle of negative emotions and actions. Instead, the way to break this cycle is to respond with love, compassion, and understanding. By doing so, it is believed that one can transform negative emotions, promote healing, and create a more peaceful and harmonious world.

This teaching is not limited to Buddhism and can be found in various forms in many spiritual and philosophical traditions. It emphasizes the power of love, empathy, and forgiveness in addressing conflicts and promoting a more compassionate and interconnected society.