A question of intention

Hi
I have been lving my life based on Buddhist teaching for years now, trying hard to be a 'good' person based on examining my interntions. However, I now have dilemma and I hope that someone here can help me.
I have been faced with three situations where the people involved are intentionally deceiving or stealing. The first situation is based on benefit fraud. The second on purposely withholding information and not paying fees that have been overlooked, and feeling lucky that they have got away with it. The third involved racist behaviour and lying. All these individuals have got away with this behaviour so far.
Having spoken to the people involved and tried to gently reason with them, they have laughed in my face and told me that they don't care that they are stealing or lying, they are happy to get away with it. These issues materially affect my wellbeing only indirectly in that I am not the victim of the theft, lies or racism.
My issue is this. If I take steps to rectify this wrong I will cause these people suffering. Although I know that it is the right thing to do to restore the balance by reporting these people, I feel I am doing wrong somehow.
I am not prepared to 'just leave it to span out' as I have a strong sense of social justice.
Is it a case of their karma that they will suffer as a result of my 'grassing' on them? Are my own issues around the negative connotations of the word 'grassing'? Would you say that it is more important to be truthful?
My intention here is to see the right thing done, I have no interest in 'getting one over' on these people who do not seem to have a conscience. Living my life within Buddhist teaching and examining intentions tells me that I should 'grass'. Is this right thinking?

Re: A question of intention

welcome, dear one.

these dilemmas are painful and challenging. it is difficult for me to tell you what you should do. however, the important thing to remember at all times is that your inner knowing always has the correct answer to every problem. all you have to do is to centre down to hear what your spirit is saying about what you must do in this situation.

remember too that people bring suffering onto themselves by choosing wrongdoing. they suffer already by having compromising themselves. who is to say that they will suffer more as a consequence of having to face their wrongs? perhaps ultimately they will suffer less.

much love,

nicole

Re: A question of intention

I agree with Nicole in this. See how your heart feels what it's inner guidance is telling you.  That is hard.  For me I'm pretty sure I would just let it be, not help them get away with it or hide it, but not purposely rat them out.  I think that's what I would do but you never know….. That is a painful decision.  I don't know what to do with people who have no remorse over what they are doing, that is sad.  Possibly they are working out of old mindsets they were taught a long time ago, if this is the truth I don't know if grassing them out would do anything more than create dissension between you guys and let you see justice being done. This is merely my thoughts I'm not the most wise person on the earth though, and honestly I don't know. However I do know that focusing on what you should do or not do isn't that wise for making decisions that bring peace and happiness.

Re: A question of intention

Naomi, you have a beautiful wise heart!

Love,

Nicole

Re: A question of intention

Thank you both for your responses. That has given me a lot to think about. I think I have made my decision to distance myslef from these people which won't be easy as they are colleagues at work.
A while ago I made decisions to aviod attachment to situations like this, I think I have been sucked into this becasue I feel I have to take action. I am going to spend some time thinking about why I feel this way, which may be more beneficial than acting now.

Thank you again for your counsel and peace to you both.

Re: A question of intention

Peace to you, and please feel free to revisit this as the need arises.

Love,

Nicole

Re: A question of intention

Dear Davenstar,
I understand that bringing any sort of suffering upon another can be very difficult, but in this case you are faced with two options: You can allow them to get away with their wrong actions, in which case the suffering will fall upon those who are innocent, or you can do what you know is the “right thing” and correct the injustice.

Re: A question of intention

Dear Katie,

Thank you for joining our discussion.

Your words bring to mind the Scripture, Vengeance is mine and I will repay, says the Lord.

Let us listen deeply to the voice of the Spirit. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.

Love,

Nicole

Re: A question of intention

Perhaps you might consider reframing your mindset. The actions of these individuals are inflicting suffering on others, even if those others are unseen by or unknown to you. Your anonymous tip to the right person or agency could stop the suffering of the the victims of these individuals. It may well cause the victimizers suffering but that suffering was brought about by their actions, which they could have changed when you offered them an opportunity to change earlier. Their suffering would be in atonement and should serve to teach them a lesson.

Re: A question of intention

Greetings,

Ask yourself this. Is the crimes being committed here worse then those being committed around the world such as rape, murder, genocide? Are they less?
Truthfully, I believe that you can not scale one act from another, regardless of the degree it may effect someone.

I feel that the true issue your having here is trying to apply spiritual principals into the human drama, where I have found, they do not belong. There is nothing in this scenario to heal. There is no wrong being committed, no harm being done.

Truly.

In the midst of any suffering, or perceived wrong doing, find your center.
Become present and aware that in this moment all is perfect and all is as it shall remain to be.

Beautiful and Free.


Namaste

Grimm

Re: A question of intention

Davenstar, I suspect you have made your decision.

As a law enforcement officer for 4 years in the late 1970's may I suggest that whatever you chose to do - now move on.  If you have reported any of the issues it won't profit you one iota to try to find out what action or justice has taken place and you could very well be disappointed.

If you have been true to yourself whatever your decision it is the right one.

Re: A question of intention

Mr, Grimm and Andrew, thanks for your input.

My feeling is that Andrew is right and Davenstar has made the decision.

But this is a wonderful discussion and I hope that people continue to feel free to make further comments.

Love,

Nicole

Re: A question of intention

Yes I agree it's a good question.  A very common dilema and good philosophical debate. Thank you Nicole for the compliment, I like your advice as well.

Re: A question of intention

Don't you love mutual admiration societies? :)

Hugs,

Nicole

Re: A question of intention

Indeed how could someone not? Oh wait it's amazing how diverse people are…. I think sometimes we forget that everyone is so incredibly unique

Re: A question of intention

Everybody's unique, just like everybody else…

Re: A question of intention

I believe this discussion brings up a pivotal point in any religious belief, whether or not to follow them in times when they contradict a wrong done in society. Some people won't get their children medical help because their religion teaches them the God will heal them (in the U.S. The local government usually steps in to force the parents to get their children treatment because human life outweighs the right to religious freedom. There are other examples of this but I hope you get the point I am trying to make while my family is yelling “Dinners ready!” for the thirteenth time and I am trying to complete my thought.

Re: A question of intention

yes, Naomi and Andrew, we are all utterly unique! isn't it tremendous? :)

Mr, I would like you to come back and explain further when your family is not yelling Dinner's ready :) 

I know that some people won't get medical treatment because of religious beliefs and that government will intervene, but wasn't sure if you felt this was a good or bad thing.

Or do others have thoughts on this to share?

Love,

Nicole

Re: A question of intention

Yes Mr. By all means continue what you started that sounds like the begining of an interesting discussion.