Most people in the world today, for one reason or another, need mercy and compassion. Because of this, many of them remember God or those in whom they have faith — often in sorrow, and out of desperation.
Do we feel mercy for such souls? They are our brothers and sisters. True mercy arises from the heart, not just for others but also for the self. Mercy for the self is needed if we wish to overcome our weaknesses and become a better person. It enables us to detach and not identify with the defects in the soul.
Many pious people are merciful, and for this reason they are afraid of doing anything wrong or sinful. They do not fear God, but they are afraid of doing anything bad, and this saves them from sinful actions.
Those who do not have mercy tend to become influenced by three things — carelessness, jealousy, and dislike. When we are merciful, there is a genuine desire not to harm ourselves or others in any way, and consequently we are not careless. The mercy in the heart finishes carelessness, and it does not allow any feelings of jealousy or dislike for anyone to emerge. Together with mercy, spiritual power is also needed so that we do not become impressed by others, attached to them, or influenced by their weakness. Someone who is merciful and powerful will not be impressed by someone’s virtues, achievements, or the cooperation they receive from them. Being merciful means not being impressed even by ourselves: ‘I have a sharp intellect’, ‘No one can do this work better than me’, ‘I am more virtuous than others’. When we have mercy for the self and avoid falling into these traps, we can be free from both, jealousy and dislike.
Some people say that they want to be merciful, but they cannot be so because of what others do. “I do not like it when someone tells lies. Otherwise, I do not get angry.” If someone is lying, it is clearly wrong. However, if we react with anger, is that right? Can someone who is wrong correct another who is wrong? What impact will our words make on the other person? To have mercy on the other person and correct them, we first need to be merciful with the self and not succumb to anger. The other person will be receptive to what we say, and our words and conduct can have the desired result. This is how mercy for the self and others helps in the task of self-improvement and inspires others towards the same.
B.K. Atam Prakash is a
Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.