Having Introspection in getting along with other spiritual devotees when having differences....
It is nice to have friends here and with various spiritual groups which I have found. I have recently made some observations about getting along with other people on the spiritual path. We cannot blame our relations with other people if we have spent much time with them. Often we need to take shelter in solidarity with others who have had similar experiences. One option to getting along when having differences is appeasement. Appeasement can be an option in getting along with others but it is not always an option. Often people have a very difficult time finding creative solutions because they are unable to bend. It is their way or the highway. Inflexibility is a major cause of difficulties in relationships. Our inability to bend often stems from feeling hurt because of what has taken place in our past encounters with others.
In some circumstances it is best to stay away from others because that is the way they want it or they may not yet be able to recognize their role in causing strife and instead put the blame on you and other people. Introspection, insight and self-reflection are not qualities that grow like leaves on trees and it is really rather rare in spiritual seekers. We do not always carry the solutions to our strife with others. That is why it is often helpful to compare notes and get views from others. There is not always a definitive answer or solution. We are only able to reshape ourselves by our encounters with others. We can not control the world around us. In the last analysis it is up to us. It is we who can change through our relations with other people. What they do is not our spiritual responsibility. But what we do and how we go on with our lives is our responsibility. It is helpful to share our experiences and gain wisdom from them.
Jitendra
It would be better to be like the willow: always willing to bend with the winds of change.
