Journey to Enlightenment Part 01

Author(s): Chitrabhanu, Chetana Catherine Florida, Nirmala Hanke, Raksha Penni Helsene
Publisher: Create Space

Page 80

2. APPRECIATION: PRAMODA Appreciation begins with those nearest us. As we want appreciation, we give it. Children, in their efforts to grow, need appreciation. Husbands and wives, in their dedication to each other, need appreciation. Parents, even with their shortcomings, need appreciation. The mechanic who does an especially good job on our car deserves appreciation. We must learn to appreciate and show appreciation for the virtues and talents and efforts of all others. And our appreciation must be the kind that flows from the heart, not the flattery that falls easily from the lips. And when we meet a sincerely meritorious person whose life is fragranced with simplicity, we show appreciation by sharing our time and services for his good causes which promote well-being of all living beings.
Some unfortunate people, in the grip of the small ego, tend to deny another's progress and accomplishments. Especially if the talented ones are only a few steps ahead, the envious are prone to berate and disparage them. If someone sings better than one of them, he thinks, "Well, she sings, but she really has no rich tone in her voice.” If someone dances better, he thinks, “Well this man dances but really has no grace. He jumps here and there like a monkey.” If someone gives a donation, the jealous person thinks, “This person is generous only because he wishes to show off.” If someone is being humble, the jealous one says, “He is hiding his ego behind a mask of humility." If someone is outspoken and forthright, the envious one calls him blunt and impolite. This is how envy and pettiness get in the way, although perhaps the envious are people who did not receive enough appreciation themselves when they were small. Ask yourself whether you have any of this envy. When we reach the larger Self, envy and competitiveness are gone. Appreciation implies that as the others have found their purpose in life, their cause or aim, we must find ours. If we can avoid the snare of inferiority, of putting ourselves down, we can avoid the snare of envy. Appreciation will bring us back to reverence and harmony.
3. COMPASSION: KARUNA Often we are so involved in ourselves and in our own affairs that we do not think of the suffering of other people, or of plants and animals. Not only a few saints and enlightened persons but also all of us must feel the pain of other living beings and try to help them. Tears are only the starting point of compassion! I say we must first care, and then care for, and then try to change the customs and conditions that give rise to such widespread suffering! If we have compassion, in today's world it will lead us to choose a simple lifestyle. We must think of those who not only enjoy none of the fruits of technology, but lack even food for themselves and their children. Our lack of concern contributes to their material deprivation. Have compassion for yourself also, but instead of blaming our misery on others, see what we may be doing. By hurting others, we hurt ourselves. By criticizing others, we criticize ourselves. By making others feel guilt, we make ourselves carry guilt. Calamities and disappointments, which are showered upon us, can be truly a means to test our purity and strength. Compassion cannot flood the soul until we understand and overcome indifference to the suffering around us and even to those unknown to us.
On the Wings of Light and Love - 81