Steve, my answer was more in jest than in actuality even though I do have a concealed ruthless streak in my mind. Relic of some more or less distant incarnations.
A former nasty boss of mine died in a car accident. He was decapitated. When I knew about that, my first thought was: "He died too soon without any suffering"
Actually, going back in this life I cannot say I was ever seriously mistreated. I can say I came across a few obnoxious people, but I might have avoided them had I applied my God given discrimination, so my fault actually. In other occasions I had some wrongs done to me, but again, we do know there are evil or greedy people, so it's up to us to steer clear of them or their unfriendly aims. And when we cannot avoid that, then it's karma which assigns to us our righteous punishment.
Bottom line: I do share with you the aim to become like St. francis, utterly impervious to external human and environmental influences and overcome mental moods and negativities.
People mistreat me? My fault, either because I put myself in their influence, or because I'm letting my mind being foolishingly influenced by their pettiness.
Pettiness yea dear friend. Thanks for clearing the air and explaining that. Yes i have experienced that. Foolishly influenced by their pettiness and hoping, or as u say, letting them continue to put myself in their influence. A lot of wisdom here!
