An old woman died after living a long dignified life. When she met God, she
asked him something that had long bothered her. "If Man was created in God's
image, and if all men are created equal, why do people treat each other so
badly?"
God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to
teach us.

And it is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people,
relationships and God. This confused the woman, so God began to explain:

"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always as they
seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks
people wear if you want to know their heart. And remove your own masks to
let people know yours.

When someone steals from you, it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always
appreciate what you have, for you never know when you might lose it. And
never, ever take your friends and family for granted because today is the
only guarantee you have.

When someone inflicts an injury upon you, it teaches you that the human
state is a fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best you
can, it's the only thing you are sure to have forever.

When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike.
When you encounter people who are different from you, don't judge them by
how they look or act; instead base your opinion on the contents of their
heart.

When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone do not
always mean that person will love you back. But don't turn your back onlove
because when you find the right person, the joy that one person brings will
make up for all the past hurts put together.

When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone
makes
mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is
forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have hurt us is
the most difficult, the most courageous and the noblest thing Man can do.

When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting
temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance
against all temptation. By doing so you will be rewarded with an enduring
sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you
were tempted.

When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all-evil.
Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do
not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with
achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.

When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect. Accept
people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject
someone for imperfections over which they have no control."

Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned that there
were no lessons to be learned from Man's good deeds. God replied that Man's
capacity to love is the greatest gift he has.
At the root of all kindness is love, and each act of love also teaches us a
lesson.

The woman's curiosity deepening, God once again began to explain.

"When someone loves us, it teaches us that love, kindness, charity,
honesty, humility, forgiveness and acceptance can counteract all the evil in
the world. For every good deed, there is one less evil deed. Man alone has
the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the
lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused.

When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence,
consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of
reality?
When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or hurting?
More comfort or pain? More joy or sadness? Each one of us has power over
the balance of love in the world. Use it wisely."

author unknown


The breath moves into a saint as well as into a wicked person. The breath
makes no distinction, it moves. Unconditionally it loves you, supports you,
holds you in its arms, because it is all Shiva. The entire creation is
"Shiva tatwa" -- innocence.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Beauty And Innocence
Love is not a happening; love is being. Love is not an act; it is
existence. Love is not an emotion; it's your very nature.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: The Ultimate Relationship Walk lightly on this
planet. You are here only for a little while. Walk lightly on this planet.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: The Secret of Mistakes