Bahá’í Explorations

The quote by Buddha, “Verily, not by hatred does hatred cease, but only by love does hatred cease,” conveys a profound message about the transformative power of love and compassion. It suggests that responding to hatred with more hatred only perpetuates a cycle of negativity and conflict. Instead, love is presented as the antidote, capable of dissolving animosity and fostering understanding. This idea resonates with the teachings of many spiritual and philosophical traditions that advocate for empathy, kindness, and forgiveness as means to achieve peace and harmony. It challenges us to rise above our base instincts and embrace a higher path by nurturing love even in the face of hostility, ultimately contributing to a more compassionate and interconnected world.

Verily, not by hatred does hatred cease, but only by love does hatred cease.


US Bahá’í News Service, Star of the West: Excerpts #8, December 1922–March 1924, 229

Only a higher vibration of energy can transform conflict into peace.

Let your vision be world-embracing…” — Bahá’u’lláh