It is true that a knowledge of the books of Living Ethics obliges a person to apply these indications in everyday life. Otherwise, karmically speaking, it is better not to approach the Teaching. As for the enemies, we do not worry about them, but we take them into consideration. Often, among them are disguised well-wishers who after personal contact become our most devoted friends, while others serve us by tensing our energies! The power of a stroke is measured by the power of resistance. Truly, obstacles and enemies sharpen all our abilities and tense the most precious energy; therefore, we know the value of enemies. Long ago it was said, “Blessed are the obstacles, by them we grow,” and “without enemies, grateful humanity would have interred the most vital manifestations.” Thus, Vivekananda used to say that “Buddha and Christ were impressed upon the memory of the people because they were lucky enough to have strong enemies!” In the Teaching, slander is defined as the torches of savages—but during the night crossing, each fire is of use! (LOHR I (opens in new tab), 10 October 1934)