Miss Understanding

Our actions or speech are often misunderstood and that leads to unnecessary conflicts and the faltering of relationships. On the same note, we also often misunderstand others for what they have done or spoken and that leads to our animosity towards them. Sometimes we are so certain that our observation is correct and right. As such our disagreement to their actions is justifiable. In short, we conclude that what we observe is our understanding.

Yet, the truth about Understanding is that its result IS always loving and never causes discord. Understanding always sheds light to what is not correctly seen and as such it can never bring pain to oneself or another. Understanding is the opposite of ignorance. Ignorance can only result in discordance since it is judgmental whereas understanding can only lead to lovingness or even forgiveness.

So what is the missing link in our observation which leads us to discordance and disharmony, within and without? Consider our lack of true understanding. Do we often conclude or do we have the capacity to understand? Understanding is twofold — understanding from the conceptual level, and understanding from a reality point of view which usually refer to as Right Understanding. Many a time our so-called understanding is conceptual and self-conclusional rather than understanding what is truly taking place. Limited by what we see, think or feel, our understanding is not exactly a true understanding, but rather a perceived reality of what we think is true.

In our day-to-day living and interactions, many a time we are not being understood and also we do not understand others and for that our relationships are frequently being challenged. Closer to home, we do not actually understand what is taking place in our minds. We usually take our mind and experiences for granted, yet with long-term awareness or mindfulness, we begin to notice how much we have actually misunderstood our own minds. Could this be the very cause that leads us to misunderstand the world? Could this be the reason that we are constantly in thirst for happiness? Could this also be the very thing that is missing in our lives when we feel empty and lonely despite having everything in life that can make us happy? Understanding the workings of our own mind leads to realisation and freedom, and thus happiness. Have you understood the reality of what is taking place now, in your mind?

Awareness or mindfulness will lead you there. Through a long-term progressive development of a non-judgmental awareness of your own mind, Right Understanding will arise in your field of experience, showing you what reality really is. This Right Understanding arises on its own accord rather than from your own perception. Only then will you look at the world with greater love and compassion.