“He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,”—in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will never cease.
Dh Chapter VII verse 3. Trans F. Max Muller
A few years ago my father was attacked on the way back from the city to his home. He is a senior and two young lads assaulted him. I don’t think they even stole money they just violently attacked him. It later transpired that they had attacked numerous people over the course of several nights. Forgiveness in these situations is a hard thing and I don’t know if my father forgave them. But what he did do is report the assault to the police and very bravely stand up in court and accuse them. The other victims couldn’t or wouldn’t do this – the fear of reprisal was too strong. The lads were convicted and my father went on with his own life. He’ll talk about it if asked but he doesn’t dwell on it. I’m was, and am really inspired by his response to an extremely difficult situation.
I’ve no idea how I would respond to such an attack. I don’t think anyone does until it happens to them. Some people might be able to get past it and for other people it might cast a very long shadow over their lives. I guess we can just do our best with the minor indignities, slights and niggles that we receive (or think we receive) from other people. That is hard work enough.