Why is Living with People so Difficult?-1

Why is Living with People so Difficult?-1

The most difficult thing in this world is to live in peace and harmony with people. It is, perhaps, easier to live with birds and animals. I have met people who prefer living with their dogs than with other human beings! They find their pets more loyal, predictable, and loving, than their close relatives. Why is living with people a problem?

We know that fire is hot and we accept that as a fact. If we are burnt by touching fire, we do not blame it. If a whole house is burnt down, we may condemn other factors or blame our negligence, but would accept fire as is. Its place is undeniable and it is not rejected. Similarly, we accept the coolness of ice, the beauty of flowers, fruits, trees and plants. We enjoy the splendor of Nature acknowledge it as it is without the projections of our mind. Again, if we are admiring a beautiful, full moon and someone else comes and starts appreciating it, do we say, “Why are you looking at my moon? You have no right to see it!” There is no sense of ownership, no possessiveness; there is acceptance without any projection of likes and dislikes.

The Bhagavad-gita, says that a wise person moves everywhere with love and affection. Like the wind blowing freely, he does not get attached to anything. He accepts all. Sometimes people behave nicely, sometimes they don’t - he is neither elated nor depressed. In another beautiful verse the Lord explains that such a man of wisdom lives with his senses under control, free from personal likes and dislikes, and therefore, enjoys every object, every place, every situation, and every person.

Also, we find it difficult to live with people because we have too many expectations from them. If I expect something from another, that person may also expect something from me. Furthermore, I am unable to fulfill my own expectations of myself. I feel that I should get up and sit in meditation for one hour, but it is difficult to sit for even five minutes; I want to do so many things, but I am unable to do them. Thus, we feel disappointed and frustrated with ourselves, and aggrieved or upset with others when they fail to satisfy our expectations. I saw a sticker that said, “Don’t try to change me. Accept me as I am.” This is the simple rule of how we wish to be treated by others.

Om Namah Shivay