The other exists, so that you can see into yourself.

शमथ। Samatha

Look nowhere else, when you want a mirror to yourself, but to your neighbours. The other can
reflect your darkest fears to your greatest strengths. There is no other instrument more perfect
than the other when it comes to finding out about yourself.

You are wrong if you think that it is by believing what the other talks about you or tells you that
you can have a look into yourself. The other is equally in the dark about you just as you are.
What they tell you most of the time will be their expectations about you being met or not met.
When expectations are met most of the times, they call you a friend. This communication is not
what we are interested in here.

You too would have placed people in various boxes based on your previous experiences. They
may have their practical applications, but when it comes to gaining a look into yourself, you
must keep the boxes away. Be aware of the various thoughts that come running into your mind
when the other says something or behave in a particular way. Look at the feelings they generate
and the emotional bearing they have on your actions. Be aware of how you will be tempted to
go back to the boxes you are familiar with.

You may have a certain image of yourself. Most often that image lacks awareness of the
backdrop. The other is a powerful tool that can make you aware of the backdrop. Do not keep
going back to the familiar boxes. There is nobody who is a friend or a foe in eternity. The
backdrop changes the meaning every time. Do not forget that while you see the backdrop as
your accessory, the other can see you as an accessory of the background. Never say no to that
view.

Feel Blessed
Swastham Shantam Sampurnam