We all discriminate.

What matters is what we do next.

Until we awaken, we will continue to act from our sixth consciousness, the mental awareness consciousness that labels. In a flash, it puts in its two-cents worth of discriminatory thoughts and judgments.

In order to stop all such nonsense—and finally, awaken—we need to catch the discriminatory thought as soon as possible and discern the label we just applied. We need to confront these labels that elicit specific unfair, unkind reactions from within us and determine where they come from.

From incorrect thinking, like if others achieve then I lose?

From other wrong thinking involving personal preferences, cultural upbringing, social media?

Perhaps from why we fail to think for ourselves?

From our fears?

Whatever the reasons, we need to find the discriminatory root, recognize it, and realize just how destructive it is. And just how ephemeral all our labels are.

If we were to die today and be reborn tomorrow, our frame of reference for all those labels would change.

So, why attach to something arbitrary and fleeting? Why disdain someone or something, when we could be that person or covet that thing tomorrow. Why judge others when we remain so ignorant?

We do not need to judge others. It’s not our place. Thank goodness for that! We just need to remember that the person we are about to label and discriminate against is just like us. An ignorant, deluded unawakened person trying to end unhappiness and suffering, working to protect loved ones and friends, and, hopefully, endeavoring to live a better day today than was lived yesterday.

That should be enough to keep us focused on our own thoughts and behavior, know what we should think and do, and find a wiser, kinder, and more beneficial way of living.

Sometimes, proving that we’re right . . . (Part 2)

With good fortune 

comes responsibility.

Good fortune provides us not only with a rare existence as a human but also includes everything from adequate living necessities to the good things that make our life comfortable and enjoyable. Family members who are loving and supportive. Friends who genuinely have our best interests at heart. Coworkers who we can depend on.

Having attained these, we can find ourselves at a juncture. 

Do we personally enjoy all we have and look no further? Or do we begin to look beyond our own existence? Do we recognize that while we are not supposed to attach to the phenomena around us, we should not ignore or dismiss them either? As an integral member of humanity, can we, upon seeing others in need, not want to help? Is it not our responsibility to aspire to leave a place better after we have been there?

Good fortune can be very gratifying. But far more rewarding is good fortune coupled with the willingness to share it.