He said, here is how to stand your ground with a coward who fears you, but has more power than you, and is showing the first tendencies towards making your life difficult: First, a warning shot across the bows; second, a blade in the heart; third, you stand aside to reveal the mocking crowd. Once you have defeated this person, manifest human warmth, and let him be.

I don't understand, I replied.

Curse your enemies with enlightenment, he said. Then, when they are afraid, manifest untrammelled companionship within illusion.