During the course of ones life we are met with many an obligation and necessity, not the least of which is the great call from the world-weary who are so starved of the essential sustenance and remedy that kindness brings. It is often the simplest gesture unprompted and unrehearsed which offers those within our immediate society strength of purpose within their own existence. Men learn essentially from experience and kindness itself works upon the receiving individual, as Grace does also, whereupon one heart may speak to another heart rather than impose or challenge, set conditions or rebuke the soul in need.
What greater response may we learn than kindness? Charity may be fashioned to a particular design; charity is commendable and works on the basis of redistribution.
Sweet compassion and kindness does of itself produce more of the same and multiplies from one to another and answers needs in the human condition that selective charity cannot. One can offer only so much charity before the resources are used and gone; this of itself of course, is a valuable and honorable endeavor. But kindness knows no reserve, the only limitations being those set restraining oneself in the giving.
Criticism thwarts our instincts of compassion. Whilst men are preoccupied with discarding and rebuking that which manifests in the outer world which is distasteful to them they are often inhibiting that manufacture of such milk to which we refer. Herein lays the differentiation between careful analysis and criticism. For in the first instance we may detach our personal responses and viewpoint, and with useful inquiry try to interpret another's condition, but then still offer regard and kindness to whoever we encounter. But in the second instance, with criticism, we withdraw our response to meet a need; in fact close doors to inquiry abruptly, not wishing to know more or understand. It is an act of rebuke and offers nothing.
To give all that we have is the precept. It is good to give that which we may draw from bountifully and know no limits to the wealth, the well from within. This asks of us so much and yet so little. When one is in the attitude of kindness, there does not even need to be a physical act for such kindness to take effect on all concerned. It is the inner expression of kindness that will touch a man and give to the world firstly, before the outer expression.
Life requires that certain functions are performed, functions on many levels of being that require that we accept into ourselves, translate and transmute, transform or oppose. Aside from the functions of existence, we may impart some of the heavenly qualities that are given to us, that sustain our being truly. Such qualities are there for every man and woman, and are fixed in a far deeper reality than our grappling with the functions of existence. One such quality is of kindness. That as we know our Father's Grace, and the kindness of the Hosts (both above and below), so too we may allow this to stream forth from our own being and flow on into another.
The hardened criminal, the bigot, the slave owner, the hypocrite, the impassioned and the de-passioned, the broken, weak and fallen - these and others need such a remedy; and without remedy are cast yet further down and out.
Spiritual science is practical. This is not discussion for the sake of a high ideal so high as it is unattainable or impotent. One must remember daily that there are stern consequences not only to physical works, but also in our attitude of soul and the fruits thereby. If the code is that we should give of what we are asked, then kindness is first, as herein is the greatest need. One can actively develop this attitude, and work upon oneself to drive out criticism and give due respect and compassionate kindness to all who are in need.
The more one is tempted to criticize, the more we are alerted thereby to their need for such kindness. And so the true value of analysis is to find within ourselves, that which we may give best to sustain another.
Milk is produced from love and from sacrifice.
“As critical and judgmental as we often must be, as much as we will have to correct, as truly as we must face unpleasant realities all of our days, let us recognize and praise the thousands of beauties of life around us; the many wonderful examples of virtuous living; the strengths and the courage of so many souls; the exceptional talents and achievements of our family members, neighbors, and associates; the countless blessings that we have been given. As has been quoted by so many, but seems to fit well here, ‘Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one the stars”
ReplyDelete― Frederick Langbridge