Burst Twenty One (For Youth):
Being Useful
Do not judge anyone from the point of view of usefulness or utility. It is sheer lack of love that leads to a utilitarian perspective in human relationships. No doubt you have to evaluate people in functional areas. Do not extend your judgment beyond the context. Remember – life is much more than the several areas or issues that you know of.
When you say somebody is useless, it is your own poverty of heart that is evident. It is certain that you are stuck with a particular desire and the other person cannot fulfill it. It is better that you take care of your desires and urges without labeling this man useless.
Let nobody look at you as useless. May you receive love from all. May no one cease to love you just because you cannot do some particular thing for him. True love, after all, is not “because of”, but “in spite of”. Till you arrive at this true love, you are actually into some trade or commerce but not love.
Your relation with Nature too – with the earth, air, water, sunlight and trees – should rise above utilitarian obsession. Love the trees like you love yourself, not because they give you wood, fruits or shelter.
Only by abandoning the attitude of getting something out of the other person (or Nature), can you actually understand him. Only then you can understand yourself. All exploitation then ceases. Life has the touch of a great new quality.
Having no (narrow-minded) expectations from others, a devotee of truth is clean, pure and efficient. She sees situations from a higher point of view, does not carry forward any regrets of the past, and gives up all selfish and self-projecting deeds. Geeta 12:16
Swami Chidananda
Monday,October 27, 2003