"We need to understand that when people harm others they are controlled by their delusions. Delusions are like a powerful hallucinogenic drug that forces people to act in ways contrary to their real nature. A person under the influence of delusions is not in their right mind, because they are creating terrible suffering for themself, and no one in their right mind would create suffering for themself. All delusions are based on a mistaken way of seeing things. When we see things as they really are, our delusions naturally disappear and virtuous minds naturally manifest. Minds such as love and kindness are based on reality and are an expression of our pure nature. Thus when we see others as kind we are seeing beyond their delusions and are relating to their pure nature, their Buddha nature.
Buddha compared our Buddha nature to a gold nugget in dirt, for no matter how disgusting a person's delusions may be, the real nature of their mind is undefiled, like pure gold. In the heart of even the cruellest and most degenerate person exists the potential for limitless love, compassion, and wisdom. Unlike the seeds of our delusions, which can be destroyed, this potential is utterly indestructable, and is the pure, essential nature of every living being. Whenever we meet other people, rather than focus on their delusions, we should focus on the gold of their Buddha nature. This will enable us to regard them as special and unique, but also help bring out their good qualities. Recognising everyone as a future Buddha, out of love and compassion, we shall naturally help and encourage this potential to ripen."
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Transform Your Life