Let us sow the seeds of love to harvest peace

Dutchman Max Boon lost his legs when terrorists attacked Jakarta’s JW Marriott Hotel in 2009. Four of Boon’s associates lost their lives in the blast while others were seriously injured. Boon had all the reasons in the world to turn his back on Indonesia but he did not. He not only pardoned the handler of the suicide bomber but also made him a member of his NGO that provides emotional and psychological support to the terror victims When people criticised his decision, he shrugged it off, saying, “The fact that I fell a victim to a major injustice does not mean that I have to hate... If I am afraid, the terrorists will win... Terrorism is everywhere, but don’t let them scare you.” His ‘no hate’ approach brought a complete transformation in the ‘terrorist’ and he shunned violence. What a big transformation. What a big achievement.

Hate is a disease the virus of which infects both the mind and body. Hate releases bad hormones which, in turn, makes a man fall prey to a host of ailments. Driven by the intense feelings of hatred towards Antonio, Shylock — a character in a Shakespearean play — who was adamant to cut a pound of flesh off Antonio’s body ultimately faced the worst crisis of his life. And, this happened due to feelings of hatred he nurtured against Shylock.

Love, too, is infectious. It is also a great adhesive. It papers over the cracks that divide mortals. Bhai Kanhaiya, who even gave water to wounded soldiers of the enemy camp, won the hearts both of friends and foes alike. Lord Rama did not feel an iota of hatred against those who conspire to send him off to exile.

Peace is an offshoot of love… Hate the sin and not the sinner, said Mahatma Gandhi. ‘Love thy neighbour’ is the big message from the Bible gives. Let us bury hatred and sow the seeds of love to harvest a crop of peace.