In English
Four ways we should try to change ourselves
In Vedanthic parlance this identification of yourself with others is called . In activities you have to develop (friendliness). Another attitude you have to develop is (compassion). The third is called (contented) and the fourth is called (indifferent to results). In all these four ways we should try to change ourselves and others. What is ? It is commonly equated with friendship. In the worldly sense this friendship is a mutual relationship. True friendship lies in regarding other people's comforts or joys or sorrows as your own. For instance we have an example in in the relationship between and . Their friendship was based on the fact that each could experience the suffering of the other as his own (). The bond of friendship is drawn when there is ,a recognition of sharing of experiences common to both. What is (compassion)? Seeing a person in distress and expressing verbally sympathy is not compassion. Compassion must express itself in action to relieve the suffering. Nor should you adopt an attitude of aloofness or indifference on the plea that each one is suffering for his own folly. Though suffering may be due to one's mistakes - mistakes to which everyone is prone- - we should seek to remedy such suffering just as we try to get rid of our own suffering. Some people try to show off their sympathy by setting up charitable institutions like hospitals, etc. True compassion should emanate from the heart. It should not find expression in outward manifestations which only reveal one's vanity. In the Organisations there is no place for such demonstrations of vanity. Everything that is done to help the poor or the suffering should be based on the feelings coming from the heart and appealing to the hearts of those who are helped.