On the Road to Self Discovery
“One should follow a man of wisdom who rebukes one for ones faults, as one would follow a guide to some buried treasure. To one who follows such a wise man [or woman], it will be an advantage and not a disadvantage.” Dhammapada saying
Some years ago in England, a young woman of limited abilities named Lena worked with Maria, another young woman widely respected for her kindness, abilities and work habits. One day, a position that would include a move to another department and a small promotion opened in another department. Maria was asked by management who she would recommend for the promotion. Maria was fond of Lena and believed she could do the job well so she recommended her friend to those who respected her opinions.
Soon after, complaints about Lena began to circulate around the company. Her co-workers were finding her difficult to work with. Although the work was within Lena’s capabilities, she had become haughty and rude to her co-workers. Her job included checking paperwork they did. Instead of dealing with them tactfully, she criticized them publicly, used rude language to describe what she saw as their deficiencies, and became universally disliked.
Maria worried about Lena and spoke to her one day. “You should be very nice to everyone,” she told her friend, “and always remember that those you see on your way up will be those you see on your way down.” One will never know if Lena did not hear the advice given by her caring friend or if she was incapable of following it, but she didn’t heed it in any way. If anything, she became even more arrogant and critical of her fellow workers. Within a few weeks, Lena was demoted — sent back to her old job — where she lost her increased earnings.
How easy it is to become a Lena. We all enjoy feeling needed; we all want to be important to others. But we can so easily fail in our ambitions if we antagonize, irritate or humiliate those around us. It’s not loving; it’s not kind; it’s not productive.
Meditation for the Day
“A wise man [woman] will hear and increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” Proverbs, the Bible.
Action for the Day
Today, I’ll start working on integrating into my personality the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” I will catch myself when I seem to be about to do less and practice it until it becomes habit in my life.
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