God Doesn't Take Sides

Photo: Mike Perry

It puzzles me at times as to why people pray to their God to help them overcome another person or community. I remember watching soccer players in the World Cup, for example, praying to win a match. And, of course, in any war conflict we tend to pray to win the battle.

Surely though, thinking like this is wrong. Why would any God favour any one person over another or any particular country over another? He wouldn't, No more than that, He couldn't.

I read the following from the Teachings of the Compassionate Buddha. It's part of something called The Rain Cloud.

Upon all I ever look

Everywhere impartially,

Without distinction of persons,

Or mind of love or hate.

I have no predilections

Nor any limitations;

Ever to all beings

I preach the Law equally;

As I preach to one person,

I preach to all.

Ever I proclaim the Law,

Engaged in naught else;

Going, coming, sitting, standing,

Never am I weary of

Pouring it copiously on the world,

Like the all-enriching rain.

On honoured and humble, high and low,

Law-keepers, and law-breakers,

Those of perfect character,

And those of imperfect,

Orthodox and heterodox,

Quick-witted and dull-witted,

Equally I rain the Law-rain

Unwearyingly.

That seems about right: everyone is equal no matter what. God doesn't take sides.

Other Buddha Posts:
21 Questions Of Life Answered By The Buddha
The Mantelpiece Buddha
Top Ten Zen Buddhist Quotes Of Taisen Deshimaru