Showing others how they are wrong is not compassion, seeing how they can help themselves become more right is
If we see someone in trouble, we may naturally want to help them. And if they are in trouble because of something that they are [...]
The essence of renunciation is not giving up worldly things, it is giving up worldly thoughts
The essence of renunciation is not giving up worldly things it is giving up worldly thoughts Some people define spiritual advancement in terms of renunciation: [...]
To deal with fear, focus not on what if, but on what is
To deal with fear focus not on what if but on what is Suppose we hear about an acquaintance getting a heart attack. We may [...]
We don’t owe our friends a positive response, but we do owe them a sensitive response
We don’t owe our friends a positive response but we do owe them a sensitive response Suppose we try something creative for the first time [...]
Those who don’t find the reprehensible reprehensible, are reprehensible
Those who don't find the reprehensible reprehensible are reprehensible Suppose someone sits and works and lives in a place that is dirty and stinky. If [...]
The causes of anger rarely hurt us as much as the consequences of anger
The causes of anger rarely hurt us as much as the consequences of anger Suppose someone insults us. Feeling angry, we lash out at them. [...]
Before a prescription can inspire action, the diagnosis must inspire conviction
Before a prescription can inspire action the diagnosis must inspire conviction When we are in a position of guiding others, we sometimes find that people [...]
The mind makes us fight wars that aren’t winnable and wars where victory is not even definable
The mind makes us fight wars that aren't winnable and wars where victory is not even definable During our life-journey, we often have to fight [...]
To be compassionate, be both caring and careful
To be compassionate be both caring and careful Suppose a doctor is asked to travel to an epidemic zone to treat patients. To take up [...]
Don’t use others to feel better about yourself learn from others how to become better
Don’t use others to feel better about yourself learn from others how to become better When we are distressed, we often need someone to unburden [...]
Self-pity makes feel-bad seem feel-good
Self-pity makes feel-bad seem feel-good Suppose we are in physical pain. We will naturally do whatever we can to free ourselves from that pain as [...]
Speak in a way that educates and engages not enrages and estranges
Speak in a way that educates and engages not enrages and estranges Suppose we have some knowledge that will be helpful or valuable for others. [...]
If we justify our weaknesses by comparing ourselves with those who are weaker, we weaken our motivation to rectify ourselves
If we justify our weaknesses by comparing ourselves with those who are weaker we weaken our motivation to rectify ourselves Suppose we have a weakness, [...]
Even if we are feeling miserable, that doesn’t give us the right to make others miserable Gita 17.16
Even if we are feeling miserable that doesn't give us the right to make others miserable Gita 17.16 When something goes wrong in our lives, [...]
An impurity censor makes no sense to those who don’t have even an impurity sensor
An impurity censor makes no sense to those who don't have even an impurity sensor An impurity censor refers to some regulator that filters out [...]
Those who don’t respect themselves are most agitated when others don’t respect them
Those who don't respect themselves are most agitated when others don't respect them When others disrespect us, we naturally feel hurt. But some people go [...]
Be childlike, not childish
Be childlike not childish Children have a charm to them. They have an innocence and freshness to them that lightens and brightens the world around [...]
Appreciating others’ achievement fosters extrinsic self-worth, appreciating their commitment fosters intrinsic self-worth
Appreciating others’ achievement fosters extrinsic self-worth appreciating their commitment fosters intrinsic self-worth Suppose we are guiding someone, as when we are parents guiding our children. [...]
The notion that love can exist outside of sacrifice is a dangerous lie
The notion that love can exist outside of sacrifice is a dangerous lie In today’s world, many people equate love with feel-good. When they experience [...]
To be nice is not to be naive — it is to be free from the control of vice
To be nice is not to be naive — it is to be free from the control of vice Some people say, “If you are [...]
Commitment is emotional investment, attachment is emotional dependence
Commitment is emotional investment attachment is emotional dependence During the course of our relationship with our loved ones, we may get the question: How can [...]