Sometimes we are so foolish. Maybe most of the time. I'll go further: it's difficult to maintain a wise mind in the face of our afflictions, fears, anxieties, attachments and everything that seems so real.
I once saw the Dalai Lama say that our greatest enemies are actually our greatest friends. I explain: it is in front of them that we have the opportunity to grow and improve certain flaws and difficulties that we carry with us.
Not only human enemies, but, mainly, invisible enemies, which would be our disturbing emotions. Only face to face with them can we analyze ourselves, improve as people and exercise attitudes and thoughts that make us bigger and better than we are. If we can receive our “enemies” as our greatest friends, we will bring tranquility to our hearts.
We must welcome bad, boring and tiring situations as an opportunity to exercise what we need to be better people. Faced with tiredness and difficulties related to certain situations, we cannot let its effects harm us and others.
Understanding other beings better, putting yourself in their place, is exercising the wisdom of the mirror and facilitating what could be so destructive on both sides. Reacting positively to difficulties and aversions will certainly bring more wisdom when acting and, consequently, more tranquility.
It's like homework that has to be practiced continuously to be absorbed. And it is also a challenge to put so much nonsense aside when understanding the ephemeral nature of all things, and finally opening your eyes.
It’s not worth letting yourself be touched by such small things or getting so attached to your ego, your “I”, your vanity. What are they for if not for imprisonment in the face of what seems to lead to happiness? Ridiculous, human Pekingese, waste of time.
Life is short and fleeting, so forgive, understand, open your arms and have compassion for all beings, even when they tell you otherwise. This teaching is found in all spiritual and religious traditions. Jesus said “turn the other cheek”, so did Shakyamuni Buddha, as well as Alan Kardec and all the masters of all traditions.
Attitude. And attitude of mind, above all. It is the mind that dominates the body, sensations, experiences and meanings of life.
We are masters of our mind. Exercise your patience and understanding. Exercise compassion in the face of people’s limitations. Understand the other person's difficulties, put yourself in their shoes if they seem to have limitations or barriers to understanding what is so obvious to you and everything will become easier and calmer.
Let's not let such small things affect our peace. We have that power. In fact, our power is so great that we can't even understand the extent of what this means.
* Anitta Schver is a columnist for Dykerama.com.
