Though you have heard “don’t judge,” judgment comes unavoidably in day-to-day life. By the actions and behaviours of people, you either approve or disapprove.
But always remember that everything is changing, and do not hold on to the judgment. Otherwise your judgment gets solidified like a rock. It brings misery for you and for others.
If judgments are lighter, like air, like a breeze, they bring in fragrance, then move away. Or they could bring a foul smell, then move away.
But they should not stay forever.
Judgments are so subtle that you are not even aware of their existence. Judging or labelling someone as judgmental is also a judgment. Only in the state of Being, when you are full of love and compassion, can you ever be free from all judgments.
Yet the world cannot move without judgments. Until you judge something as good or bad, you cannot do any action.
If you see rotten apples in the market, you say, “No good.”
Only good ones will you buy. If someone lies to you ten times, you think next time he speaks it also could be a lie.
A judgment happens automatically.
See the possibility that people and things can change at any time and don’t hold on to judgments.
You need to judge your company. Your company can pull you up or pull you down.
The company that drags you down towards doubt, dejection, blame, complaints, anger, delusion and desires is bad company.
The company that pulls you up towards joy, enthusiasm, service, love, trust and Knowledge is good company. When someone complains, first you listen, then you nod, then you sympathize, then you complain.
Denise: I confess, you are absolutely right.
Robert: Join the party!
Sri Sri: Your company can create hell for you in heaven - or heaven for you in hell. Judge for yourself...!
Excerpts from the book An Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar www.artofliving.org