what to do about evil

When Evil Appears
by Paulo Coelho

Sometimes evil pursues the warrior. So, he calmly invites it into his tent.

The warrior asks evil: “do you want to injure me, or use me to wound others?”

Evil pretends not to hear. It says it knows the warrior’s soul inside out. It touches unhealed wounds, and calls for revenge. It reminds him that it knows many subtle tricks and poisons, which will help the warrior destroy his enemies.

The warrior of the light listens. If evil becomes distracted, he makes it talk some more, asking for details of all of its projects.

After listening to everything, he stands and leaves. Evil has spoken so much, is so tired and so empty, that it hasn’t the strength to follow him.

A warrior must pay attention to evil, if he wishes to do Good.

How often do we turn tail and run when evil appears? Or turn a blind eye? Yet facing evil and becoming acquainted allows us to know its tricks, antidote its poisons.

Pay attention. Learn its name--its desires. Don't believe its lies. The heart of the warrior transforms unveiled evil to become the servant of Good.

And remember Good always wins. Always.