Editorial - Judge not and you shall not be judged

28 May 2012 07:08 pm - 1 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

In our lives we have a tendency to form opinions of others. Quite often we see their negative side and think little before condemning them.
What do we know of what is in the heart of other people when they behave in a certain way? What do we know of all the conditioning they are subjected to through temperament and upbringing? What do we know of the implications of their actions?

Wanting to set ourselves up as judges is dangerous. It is like shooting an arrow with our eyes closed, not knowing where it’s going to land. We run the risk of being unjust, relentless and obtuse. We need only remember that if it’s so difficult to understand ourselves, how much more difficult would it be to reach into the depths of people, their past and present and all that they have experienced.

We condemn ourselves when we judge others harshly. We behave in the same way as those we condemn. It is typical of human nature to judge and condemn in others what is particularly displeasing in ourselves, but lack the courage to face.
Of course we cannot observe, listen and live without forming an opinion; that is without judging. Indeed it’s not so much from judging others we must free our hearts from, but rather from the venom with which we judge.

We need therefore to seek to use the human faculty of forming opinions in the correct way. That is turning a negative judgment into something positive; turning an act of non-love into one of love. Nelson Mandela was initially violent against the whites who ruled South Africa. He was put in prison for many years. There his judgmental attitudes towards the unjust apartheid policies of the whites, received transformation. He began looking through eyes of forgiveness, mercy and love. When finally released, he took up non violence as the answer, but reconciliation with those who oppressed and persecuted him. Thus was born the model story of transition with no bloodshed. It amazed the world.

We are called to correct ourselves as we are correcting others. Sometimes we may try at length and in vain to make somebody understand something. The problem lies in our not loving wholeheartedly. We need to get rid of resentment and bitterness. Then that person would trust us enough to know that only one’s good is sought, and not condemnation.

We need to also keep ego under constant observation, as if it were on the prisoner’s bench; as soon as it makes a move to sit on the judge’s bench, we must lead it back gently but firmly. Maybe, there could still evolve a blessing for our nation through those who do not judge others but discover freedom within.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 1

jorhoo Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:39 AM

The shoes are an integral part of the people dress, "finishing touch" on the wearing apparel plays a decorative effect. Shoes, in the course of its development, due to different geographical, climatic, ethnic, coupled with political and economic influence, the formation of a variety of different styles and forms. English these look sideways "L"-type shoes, by the ancient people's wisdom to the development of innovative, free to produce thousands of varieties, and this development is the development of the shoe
Art

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Editorial - Judge not and you shall not be judged

Comments - 1

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident