The path to Tranquility (spring)
33. Treating all things equally
Treating all things equally is a very important value, which means we should
respect every person, object, culture and point of view, regardless of their
background, race, gender, beliefs or any other factors. This kind of value is
based on respect and tolerance, which can make interpersonal relationships
more harmonious and society more equal and just.
Treating others unequally not only hurts other people's feelings, but also causes others to hurt us in turn, and it may even be more serious harm. Therefore, this is a sign of not knowing how to consider one's own interests. When we respect each other's differences and appreciate each other's uniqueness, then everyone can enjoy equal opportunities and rights, and relationships will not create too much conflict.
Treating everything equally without judging good or bad is the best attitude for dealing with others. If we often judge things as good or bad, it means that we have biases. This unconscious behavior will always cause disputes because subjective opinions are difficult to reconcile. If everyone sticks to their own point of view, in the end everything can only be decided by power.
There is a basic solution: stop judging things, and instead observe ourselves, pay attention to the relationship between our feelings and things, and also pay attention to the impact of our actions on the development of things. Start by accepting things without subjectively labeling them. Then maintain curiosity and calm observation, and don't compare it with things in memory too early, let alone make premature judgments. Because things have just begun and will continue to develop, if we participate too early, the development of things will be affected by our behavior.
Our emotions are also things, so the above method is also applicable. Don't call emotions sad or happy, but let them flow freely, feel everything they bring, and understand their meaning. This is truly enjoying life. It was a cold rain outside the window, and I was curled up on the sofa alone, drinking a cup of hot coffee. Is this sad or happy? If we continue to observe, we will see a wonderful phenomenon of the mind: in addition to emotions, there is a stable core within us. This core is reason and consciousness, which is our true selves.
Being able to treat everything equally shows that our consciousness can function well. We know that equality means allowing everything to enjoy its opportunities, letting them develop freely, and receive the rewards of nature. The essence of equality is to respect the laws of nature and accommodate the characteristics of all things, including all of ourselves.
Being able to accommodate all things, we will not use our own preferences as the standard for judging right or wrong, nor will we judge good or evil based on subjective values standards. By looking at things objectively, we can realize which is our desire, and which is the real benefit of life. Then, when others meet our needs, we can be grateful, and take the initiative to meet others' needs, allowing each other to be deeply connected.
32. Allows emotions to flow naturally
34. Acceptance without hesitation
