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Punishing others for what they’ve done to you is not your job
“Revenge, the sweetest morsel to the mouth that ever was cooked in hell,” said William Scott.
“Revenge, the sweetest morsel to the mouth that ever was cooked in hell,” said William Scott.
We live in a sinister world, one that loves to see others fail and believes in dividing to conquer. We make each other’s hearts bleed till all that’s left is hatred. When we see something bad happen to someone, we just call it an act of revenge.
The Bhagvad Gita says that punishing others for what they’ve done to you is not your job.
What people get back for doing wrong is up to god. And I feel we should leave it at that. No matter how sweet the revenge might seem, we are not the judge here and we do not get to decide how people should be punished.
Scientific studies have shown that when we feel vengeful we activate a region of the brain known as the dorsal striatum. Research has also shown that this region is involved in enjoyment or satisfaction.
Though you might feel good by getting even, the act might leave you feeling awful as guilt steps in.
In the spur of the moment, you might harm someone more than you wanted to and end up cursing yourself for the rest of your days.
So, let’s think of how to make this world better by forgiving.
As this will not only make you feel better, but will also benefit those who you were out to punish. Call it karma or god, they will get to see the results of their actions. When someday, you might see them fall, you’d know that it’s how the universe works. You’ll save your time and this will definitely make you feel good.
(Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal.)
