Message #49941

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Dharma in the language of the Hindus means religion, but the literal meaning of this word is duty. It suggests that one's relation to every person in the world is one's religion; and the more conscientiously one follows it, the more keen one proves in following one's religion. To keep the secret of our friend, our acquaintance, even of someone with whom for a time one has been vexed, is the most sacred obligation. The one who thus realizes his religion would never consider it right to tell another of any harm or hurt he has received from his friend. It is in this way that self-denial is learned; not always by fasting and retiring into the wilderness. ... The one who knows what the relation of friendship is between one soul and another, the tenderness of that connection, its delicacy, its beauty, and its sacredness, that one can enjoy life in its fullness, for he is living; and in this manner he must some day communicate with God. For it is the same bridge that connects two souls in the world, which, once built, becomes the path to God.

   from  https://wahiduddin.net/mv2/III/III_III_1.htm

Sometimes I realize why I was placed in the current environment I find myself. When we are accustomed to have much materially it is easy to have the attitude of; What others are experiencing on the earth plain is not my problem. However when we want to expand our consciousness we must include the concerns and needs of others and not just our own.