Mirror of the Mind

A Person's thoughts and beliefs shape his life, experiences and circumstances. Like mirrors, all men become like their own reflected mental images. They behold the reflection of their own character and inner thoughts. Until a person realizes that his own character is but the effect of his own thoughts and beliefs, he remains a victim of circumstances. But once he realizes this great truth, he has started on the journey which will enable him to be free from the poison of ill will.
The ugliness a person sees in others is a direct reflection of his own nature. Therefore, a person should not act hastily and project the image of unwholesomeness and hatred within himself on another innocent and unfortunate being. Let us have patience and not criticize others too readily. We should view things from a broader perspective by putting ourselves in the others too readily. We should view things from a broader perspective by putting ourselves in the other person's shoes. Try to understand the circumstances which gave rise to an action. Adopting such a perspective can enable us to lead peace of others. Let us keep in mind the Buddha's advice;He who is observant of others' faults, and is always irritable, increases his own deflilements. He is far from the destruction pf defilement.'
Boltan Hall had written the following lines:
I looked at my brother with the microscope of criticism, and I said,'How coarse My brother is!
I looked at him through the telescope of scorn, And I said, "How small my brother is!
Then I looked in the mirror of truth, And I said, "How like me my brother is!