SUMIT DHANRAJ asks us to get into other people’s shoes and try to look at things from their perspective
How does one speak of the ocean to a frog in the well; or of reality to the one who is prejudiced by one’s preferred ideology? A frog had lived all his life in a well. One day, he was surprised to see another frog there.“Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the sea, that’s where I live,”said the other.“What’s the sea like? Is it as big as my well?”The sea frog laughed.“There’s no comparison,” he said. The well frog pretended to be interested in what his visitor had to say about the sea. But he thought,“Of all the liars I have known in my lifetime, this one is undoubtedly the greatest — and the most shameless!” This story speaks volumes about our lives. Such sort of encounters may also happen with us.Sometimes,in such situations we may pretend to pay attention to what others have to say to us, but we may only focus on what we have to say to them or what we want to hear. Bigotry, intolerance, narrow-mindedness, discriminations of all sorts and verbal rhetoric must be controlled at a personal level.This type of behaviour or reaction may really hurt others.
Listening to others’ points of view will obviously help build relationships. Even good business transactions become a reality when we give time to our clients. Sending positive vibes through our behaviour and attitude is always a blessing. So we must never put down others through our opinions or behaviour. One should also remember that every good relationship is based on an honest exchange of feelings.Honesty is at the core of a family that openly shares every matter with its members. If someone hides something from their dearest and closest ones, then differences within the family increase.A family cannot stand united without truth. Family bonds become strong by sharing and caring. Many a times,we look at the reality only from our own perspective which may or may not be right.We should also get into others’ shoes and try to look at things from their perspective.We need to change our perception and outlook towards our family, bosses, coworkers and others. If this happens, then an individual’s ideologies and thinking will change.And this change will bring complete transformation in all and sundry. All of us seek God throughout our lives.Although we call Him by different names and worship Him in various forms, our curiosity to know God never ends.However one thing is common in our understanding of the Supreme Being — that this reality is the Supreme Being.We want to know, experience and feel that omniscient energy and power. But, at times, this dream becomes difficult because we are not at the same level with God. There is a big gap between God and us, thanks to our ignorance.
This can be bridged with the help of the Truth. And the Truth is that God is everywhere — in us and in the beautiful creation that God has created. The reality that reveals unknown facts and hidden knowledge is the Truth. It is an image of one’s own personality or society where we dwell. Sometimes, our own ideologies, prejudices and thinking patterns force us to not accept the truth.Anybody can tell the truth about us — what we are and what we are not. So, we should be ready to accept it. However, we should know that ‘Truth is always bitter’.Nevertheless, if it helps in our personal growth and development, then it is good for us. Finally, we must not forget that human social progress is what makes us civilised. If we are away from truth or getting into rows with one another, then we are still savages. We need to go beyond the shallow knowledge of dogmas and doctrines to perceive reality in its fullness. For it is said,‘Know the truth and truth will set you free.’Therefore, every positive change is a stepping stone towards success of our own selves and human civilisations.
SUMIT DHANRAJ asks us to get into other people’s shoes and try to look at things from their perspective
How does one speak of the ocean to a frog in the well; or of reality to the one who is prejudiced by one’s preferred ideology? A frog had lived all his life in a well. One day, he was surprised to see another frog there.“Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the sea, that’s where I live,”said the other.“What’s the sea like? Is it as big as my well?”The sea frog laughed.“There’s no comparison,” he said. The well frog pretended to be interested in what his visitor had to say about the sea. But he thought,“Of all the liars I have known in my lifetime, this one is undoubtedly the greatest — and the most shameless!” This story speaks volumes about our lives. Such sort of encounters may also happen with us.Sometimes,in such situations we may pretend to pay attention to what others have to say to us, but we may only focus on what we have to say to them or what we want to hear. Bigotry, intolerance, narrow-mindedness, discriminations of all sorts and verbal rhetoric must be controlled at a personal level.This type of behaviour or reaction may really hurt others.
Listening to others’ points of view will obviously help build relationships. Even good business transactions become a reality when we give time to our clients. Sending positive vibes through our behaviour and attitude is always a blessing. So we must never put down others through our opinions or behaviour. One should also remember that every good relationship is based on an honest exchange of feelings.Honesty is at the core of a family that openly shares every matter with its members. If someone hides something from their dearest and closest ones, then differences within the family increase.A family cannot stand united without truth. Family bonds become strong by sharing and caring. Many a times,we look at the reality only from our own perspective which may or may not be right.We should also get into others’ shoes and try to look at things from their perspective.We need to change our perception and outlook towards our family, bosses, coworkers and others. If this happens, then an individual’s ideologies and thinking will change.And this change will bring complete transformation in all and sundry. All of us seek God throughout our lives.Although we call Him by different names and worship Him in various forms, our curiosity to know God never ends.However one thing is common in our understanding of the Supreme Being — that this reality is the Supreme Being.We want to know, experience and feel that omniscient energy and power. But, at times, this dream becomes difficult because we are not at the same level with God. There is a big gap between God and us, thanks to our ignorance.
This can be bridged with the help of the Truth. And the Truth is that God is everywhere — in us and in the beautiful creation that God has created. The reality that reveals unknown facts and hidden knowledge is the Truth. It is an image of one’s own personality or society where we dwell. Sometimes, our own ideologies, prejudices and thinking patterns force us to not accept the truth.Anybody can tell the truth about us — what we are and what we are not. So, we should be ready to accept it. However, we should know that ‘Truth is always bitter’.Nevertheless, if it helps in our personal growth and development, then it is good for us. Finally, we must not forget that human social progress is what makes us civilised. If we are away from truth or getting into rows with one another, then we are still savages. We need to go beyond the shallow knowledge of dogmas and doctrines to perceive reality in its fullness. For it is said,‘Know the truth and truth will set you free.’Therefore, every positive change is a stepping stone towards success of our own selves and human civilisations.
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