It is human nature to view things from your own perspective, and sometimes condemn and criticize others when you feel wronged or when things don’t go your way. In fact, you don’t know what’s going on in other people’s lives and thus can’t empathize with their joys and sorrows. It would be wise to refrain from accusing or judging others. You can’t see other people’s paths in life; therefore, it is difficult to comprehend their circumstances unless you experience them yourself.
A pig, a sheep, and a cow
A pig, a sheep, and a cow were confined in the same pen. The farmer came to grab the pig one day, and it bellowed loudly and struggled fiercely. The sheep and the cow were annoyed by the pig’s shrieking, so they criticized it angrily: “You’re overreacting! He grabs us all the time, and we don’t make such a fuss.” The pig retorted: “There’s a big difference. He only wants your wool and milk when he grabs you. But when he comes for me, he wants to kill me!” The sheep and the cow fell silent.
It is difficult to understand other people’s feelings because circumstances and perspectives differ. But if you can look at the issues from their perspective and try to understand them, you could minimize misunderstandings and conflicts. Things happen for a reason, and people’s actions are based on their motives. We all experience ups and downs, and joys and sorrows in life. The world does not revolve around us. We are all unique and have our own stories, ordinary or dramatic, and we experience life marked with blessings and misfortunes.
The surgeon and the father
A surgeon received an emergency call, rushed to the hospital, and immediately changed into his surgical scrubs. The patient’s father shouted at him: “Why did you take so long to get here? Don’t you know my son is in critical condition? Where’s your sense of responsibility?” The doctor responded calmly with a smile, “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t on duty at the hospital earlier, but I came immediately upon getting the call. Please try to calm down.”
“Calm down? Would you stay calm if your son were lying in that operating room? How would you feel if your son were about to die? What would you do?” The father shouted angrily. The doctor responded calmly: “I would say a prayer. Please pray for your son.” The father retorted bitterly: “Only someone who’s indifferent about other people’s lives would say that.”
The surgery took a few hours, and it was successful. The doctor came out cheerfully from the operating room and told the father: “Thank goodness, we were able to save your son!” Before the father could respond, the doctor said: “Please talk to the nurse if you have any questions,” and left in a hurry. “How arrogant of him! He couldn’t even spare a few minutes to talk about my son’s condition.” The father vented his frustration to the nurse.
The nurse wept and said: “His son died in a traffic accident yesterday. He was on his way to the funeral home when we called him to perform surgery on your son. Now that he has saved your son, he must hurry to attend his son’s funeral.”
Refrain from casual judgment when you don’t know the situation
You don’t know what hardships others are experiencing. Thus, when you look at things from your perspective, you can only see the surface. Each of us carries many unspoken sorrows and pains and learns to navigate our own difficulties. It would be easier to understand other people’s struggles when you put yourself in their shoes.
There is a world in every flower, and there is a path to enlightenment in each bodhi leaf. Let’s treat each other with kindness and understanding, and you shall find inner peace in this mundane world. There is truth to this saying: “Happiness is not based on wealth, power, or looks, but on how we relate to those around us.” Treat others with kindness and be a happy person!
Translated by Elaine and edited by Amanda
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