Eknath Easwaran's Commentary
Often it is nothing more than our likes and dislikes that keep us from seeing the core of purity and selflessness that is in everyone. We don’t like the way he cuts his hair, we don’t like the way she drops her r’s, and we can’t get beyond these surface obstacles. Yet if we free ourselves from the rigid dictates of our own likes and dislikes, we will see people more clearly – even those whom we find difficult to love.
Some people are a little more irritating and self-willed than others. But instead of criticizing such people, which only makes their alienation worse, we can focus all our attention on what is best in them. This most practical skill can help those around us tremendously – while it helps us get over our likes and dislikes as well. It is like turning a flashlight onto one particular spot, concentrating on what is kind, generous, and selfless in the other person. We’ll find that this kind of support draws out and strengthens these very qualities in him or her.
The Thought for the Day is today's entry from Eknath Easwaran's Words to Live By.