As we interact with others, it is human nature to want to change or reform others so that they meet our needs and expectations. This tendency is driven by the mind, which tries to find fault with others, leading to difficulty and turmoil.Most problems arise when people disagree with each other. Each one feels he or she is right and the other is wrong. Each digs in his or her heels to a point of view. When the other one does not come around or give in, anger surfaces. If we are unable to stay calm, we end up saying or doing something hurtful to the other. This escalates and the other retaliates. Soon, what began as a disagreement becomes a fight or over time a long-term feud.
To reach a state where we embrace everyone as they are, we need to be able to see each other as God sees us. In God’s eyes, we are all perfect. Just as we enjoy the beauty of a sunset without any thoughts of changing its hues, so too must we learn to enjoy the beauty and perfection of all God’s creation. This can only happen when we change our angle of vision and begin to see God’s presence in everything and everyone.
To experience life through this elevated angle of vision, we meditate. As we take our attention away from the world outside and focus it within, we connect with God’s Light within ourselves. We begin to see ourselves not as the body and mind but as soul. Gradually, as we rise above body-consciousness and experience God, we realize that God is also present in everyone else.This builds a bridge between people as we realize our commonality. We can see that we are all one and the same in our essence. We then develop love for others. When we look at others with love, we open our hearts. Meditation puts us in a state of calm and joy. Even if we have differences we can stay calm and deal with them in a way that does not escalate to anger. We can then remain peaceful and find solutions. We know how to disagree in a peaceful way, adjusting and compromising. The tranquillity and happiness we experience when we meditate on the inner Light and Sound stays with us and radiates to others.
We no longer see the shortcomings of others, but rather, we see everyone as an extension of God.
There is a more sublime aspect of meditation which has untold benefits in our lives.
We begin to see all living things, whether human, animal, or plant, as a part of God. We realize that a divine soul enlivens all creation. We see God’s Light shining in all, and we realize that all beings are children of the same universal Creator.
This is a profound realization that brings about fundamental changes in the way we live. We develop love for all humanity, in fact, for every living creature.
As a result of this transformation, we begin to love all people and consider everyone a part of our family. We gain tolerance and patience towards those around us. We develop compassion and understanding, and we seek to help those in need.
The more we perfect our meditations, the more we come in contact with the source of divine love—and the more we can love and be loved.
Peace and harmony enters our hearts and homes and is reflected in every aspect of our life. The peace, love, and joy that we gain by meditating radiates to all those we meet. Without any effort on our part, we spread a divine fragrance wherever we go. We are inspired to utilize our talents for the good of humanity.
And in whatever sphere we are working, we become a source of help and comfort to those around us.