Judgement by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Judgement by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:

Though you have often heard “do not judge”, judgement comes unavoidably in day-to-day life. You either approve or disapprove of the actions and behaviours of people. But always remember that everything changes, so do not hold onto your judgement, otherwise your judgement becomes solidified like a rock, bringing misery for you and for others. If judgments are light as air, like a breeze, they bring in fragrance, and then move away. They can also bring a foul smell but then they also move away. Judgements should not stay forever. Judgments are so subtle that you are not even aware of their existence. Labelling someone as judgemental is also a judgement. Only in the state of Being, when you are full of love and compassion, can you ever be free from all judgments.

Yet the world cannot move without judgments. Until you judge something as good or bad, you cannot perform any actions. If you see rotten apples in the market, you refuse to buy them. You buy only good apples. If someone lies to you ten times, the next time they speak you think it could also be a lie. Such judgments happen automatically. But see the possibility that people and things can change at any time and do not hold onto your judgements.

Of course, you need to judge your company. Your company can pull you up or drag you down. The company that drags you towards doubt, dejection, blame, complaints, anger, delusion and desires are bad company. The company that pulls you up towards joy, enthusiasm, service, love, trust and knowledge is good company. When someone complains, first you listen, then you nod, then you sympathise, then you too complain. Just remember, do not let your judgments become permanent.