Share the wisdom of Sri Sri Ravishankarji - 21 & 22.

February 5, 2008

Dear Friends and devotees Bhakti is eternal Share the Wisdom of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji. 21. TOLERANCE Neither accept the people as they are nor tolerate them. Many people think tolerance

is a virtue but tolerance is actually a negative term. If you like something, you do not have to tolerate it. Tolerance indicates a deep sense of dislike that can at any time turn into hatred. It indicates a sense of separateness, small mindedness, a limitation of consciousness. When you tolerate, it is a temporary state. Tolerance is a potential volcano. If you are tolerating, it means you are just holding on. Acceptance is also negative. You accept that which is not lovable. Tolerance and acceptance come with judgment and separation. Question: “But aren’t we supposed to accept people as they are?” If you do not love them, then you have to accept them. I tell you, do not accept people as they are. Just love them as they are. 22. Judgment Though you have often heard “do not judge”, judgment comes unavoidably in day-to-day life. You either approve or disapprove of the actions and behaviors of people. But always remember that everything changes, so do not hold on to your judgment, otherwise your judgment becomes solidified like a rock, bringing misery for you and for others. If judgments are light as air, like a breeze, they bring in fragrance, and then move away. They can also bring a foul smell but then they also move away. Judgments should not stay forever. Judgments are so subtle that you are not even aware of their existence. Labeling someone as judgmental is also a judgment. Only in the state of Being,

when you are full of love and compassion, can you ever be free from all judgments. Yet the world cannot move without judgments. Until you judge something as good or bad, you cannot perform any actions. If you see rotten apples in the market, you refuse to buy them. You buy only good apples. If someone lies to you ten times, the next time they speak you think it could also be a lie. Such judgments happen automatically. But see the possibility that people and things can change at any time and do not hold onto your judgments. Of course, you need to judge your company. Your company can pull you up or drag you down. The company that drags you towards doubt, dejection, blame, complaints, anger, delusion and desires is bad company. The company that pulls you up towards joy, enthusiasm, service, love, trusts and knowledge is good company. When someone complains, first you listen, then you nod, then you sympathize, then you too complain. Just remember, do not let your judgments become permanent. With love and regards, Sastry.

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