- Optimist
Do you say the cup is half full or half empty.
The answer determines whether you are an optimist or pessimist.
- Alcohol
If I had the power, I would scrap the Ten Commandments which in any case few observe, and substitute them with one: Do not drink alcohol.
- Angels and Devils
Mythology and superstition suggest that man becomes possessed by devils and often he acts under their influence. "I am possessed by the devil Anger," is better than, "I am angry!" The former keeps "I" as a witness, distinct from the anger and capable of taking refuge in God, whereas in the latter case the "I" is identified with anger and hence there is no chance of escaping from it. Even if the second were the truth, I would love to cling to the first. But the second is not the truth.
- Turn Within
A desire to know or realise Self is important. Turn within for answers.
- Maitri-Karuna-Muditha-Upeksha
Maitri-Karuna-Muditha-Upeksha
The fourfold attitude of Maitri-Karuna-Muditha-Upeksha is meant to capture for us the unity that meditation generates within us.
Maitri or friendliness towards our equals prevents exploitation.
Karuna or compassion towards the less fortunate forestalls pity - superiority complex.
Muditha or complacency or vicarious delight guards us against jealousy and inferiority complex.
The All of Mankind is covered by these three.
Evil has a different and difficult approach. Ignore the wicked. Cool your inner fires down.
In a new light you might discover that your judgment or opinion was perhaps wrong; if there is some evil in the other person, you might work on him with love and your own example - never by pitting the other evil with one of your own.
For fault-finding is as great an evil as lust, anger and greed.