Understanding

Understanding leads to harmony and harmony is the essence of music. Similar to music, understanding has seven notes as well:

1. Learn to be a good listener. If you wish to grow in the spirit of understanding, you must let the other person talk and prove his point to his satisfaction. Listen more and talk less. That is why you have been given one mouth and two ears. There is no door with which to close the ears--they are always open. Before a word is spoken, it must cross two fences--two rows of teeth and two lips. Therefore, you should think twice before you speak.

2. Do not criticize the other person. Look for good qualities in others and appreciate them. Appreciate your spouse, children, and friends—never scold them. When you scold them, you stiffly the life-force within them.

3. Find the fault in yourself. If you are not able to get along with others, try to find a fault in yourself even thought it’s easy to blame others.

4. Humility is the key to understanding. The word “understand” is comprised of ‘stand’ and ‘under.’ No one wants to stand under anyone else because everybody wants to stand over everybody—that is the problem.

5. Do not argue. No one wins an argument. When you think you have won an argument, sooner or later, you will find out that you have not convinced the other person of your point. You will have worn him out and, in the process; you might have lost a friend.

6. Practice what you preach. If you do not practice what you preach, no one will ever pay attention to what you say.

7. Look for opportunities to serve others. If you wish to grow in the spirit of understanding, you must grow in the spirit of service. Look for opportunities to be selfless, help, and provide support to others, especially those in need.

Dr. Singh