Daily Meditation: Thursday, September 11, 2014

Accusations and criticisms - why make matters worse?

09/11/2014

If you hear accusations being made against someone, avoid spreading them yourself, especially if you are not sure whether they are justified. For, nothing we say remains without consequences. If you relay false criticism, be aware that somehow or other you are awakening something negative in the person you are criticizing, in the person listening to you, and in you yourself too. Yes indeed, things go further than you might think! Furthermore, if you have to report that such and such a person has behaved badly, try by way of instruction to end your conversation by mentioning one of their qualities… they must surely have at least one! Mentioning people’s shortcomings has never served to correct them. So, when you criticize someone without indicating that they nevertheless have certain qualities, you are making matters worse, and this is not a constructive attitude. If you want to behave like someone who is aware and enlightened, when you have to say something negative try to end with something positive – even if only by mentioning a second person, who has the qualities the first is lacking. Yes, it is very important always to end on a positive note.