Yogi Bhajan taught the concept that treating your enemies as friends holds a profound significance. (I have to say I hate the word enemies, so I’m changing it to Frenemies).
His approach encourages individuals to transcend the limitations of ego and create an agreeable and peaceful existence whether within the workplace, at school or in general life.
Compassion lies at the heart of Yogi Bhajan's teachings. The ability to relate to the suffering and struggles of others, even those who have hurt us, can help us break free from the cycle of negativity and resentment, and instead, cultivate love and understanding.
Yogi Bhajan believed that treating frenemies as friends is not a sign of weakness but a display of strength and maturity. Rising above our ego and seeing the divinity in every Being, regardless of their actions, can transform our perception and open the door to healing.
Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of treating our Frenemy as friends. It is the act of letting go of resentment, anger, and the desire for revenge. Yogi Bhajan taught that forgiveness is not about condoning or forgetting the wrongs committed against us, but rather about freeing ourselves from the burden of carrying that negativity.
When we forgive, we release the emotional baggage that weighs us down and prevents us from experiencing true freedom and happiness. It is through forgiveness that we can begin to heal ourselves and create space for positive change to occur.
Treating our Frenemies as friends requires us to suspend judgment. While it’s easy to label people as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ based on their actions, Yogi Bhajan encouraged a more nuanced perspective. He taught that every individual is on their own unique journey, shaped by their experiences, conditioning, and past traumas. (This is a key understanding to what compassion and suspending judgement is all about).
By suspending judgment, we create an opportunity for growth and understanding. We recognise that our Frenemies are also Beings capable of making mistakes and seeking redemption. This shift in perception allows us to approach difficult relationships with empathy and compassion, allowing space for reconciliation.
Our part in this process is huge. It is within ourselves that we need to cultivate a deep level of self-awareness, to examine our own thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behaviour. It’s a two-way street after all and Yogi Bhajan highlighted that self-reflection is a means to identify and address our own shortcomings.
Through this practice of self-awareness, we recognise the ways we contribute to conflict and disharmony. And by taking responsibility for our own actions and reactions, we break free from the cycle of blame and victimhood. This self-awareness empowers us to make conscious choices that promote understanding and reconciliation.
Meditation is a powerful tool in the practice of treating our adversaries as friends because it allows us to attain inner stillness and access a state of consciousness that transcends duality.
In the space of meditation, we tap into our innate wisdom and compassion. It is here that we can find the strength to forgive, the courage to let go of resentment and hurt feelings, and the clarity to see the divine essence in all Beings. Regular meditation practice can support us in maintaining a mindset of love and understanding, even in the face of challenging situations.
When we choose to treat our Frenemies as friends, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate relationships. Our actions influence those around us, inspiring them to adopt a similar approach. By embodying the principles of compassion, forgiveness, and self-awareness, we become catalysts for positive change in our communities.
Integrating the Philosophy into Daily Life
Treating our Frenemies as friends is not an abstract concept, it has been around for centuries. The Bhagavad Gita, Bible, and other age-old texts imparted wisdom on how to integrate love and kindness to everyone in our daily lives.
Here are some suggestions on how to do this:
1. Practice empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of your enemies and try to understand their motivations and struggles.
2. Cultivate forgiveness: Let go of grudges and resentment, and instead, focus on healing and personal growth.
3. Suspend judgment: Approach difficult relationships with an open mind and a willingness to see the humanity in others.
4. Practice self-reflection: Regularly examine your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to identify areas for personal growth.
5. Meditate regularly: Set aside time each day for meditation to cultivate inner peace and connect with your higher self.
When you are willing to treat your enemy as your friend, you have started on the path of love. - Yogi Bhajan