extremes or duality

Often most of us use words like love and hate, like and dislike quite casually. Or worse still, rather vehemently with a lot of emotion behind it. Be it people in our lives, or public figures (authors, politicians, actors, etc), or places or food or just mundane stuff (TV shows, movies, clothes, styles, and the like). And the list goes on. We are either for something or against it. Mostly we have explanations to back it; though very often we don't. It is just a feeling or an impression that becomes the basis of our beliefs. And that is enough. Over time that belief strengthens, and then that becomes the only truth.

I am reminded of a very interesting piece I read in Eknath Easwaran's 'Essence of the Bhagavad Gita' not too long ago. He spoke about our attachment to extremes, about considering our belief as right, and the opposite as plain wrong or incorrect. He underlined the concept and importance of duality, which is a fundamental reality of life. He encouraged that we make an effort to consciously move away from the love-hate, like-dislike trap. Not these exact words. It is in this book that I read a sentence that I referred to in an earlier post/response. "The opposite of what you believe is also true." I find it simply profound!

Come to think of it, the moment we are willing to soften the extreme stands that we get so attached to, and be open to differing viewpoints and realities, life is simplified.

Always easier said than done.:) Especially when we are convinced that what we think or do is a more humane, kind or logical way.

A simple example that I can relate with. I try my bit to stand up for the rights of the strays in my block. The right term is community dogs. They were born here and this is their home, as much as ours. When it comes to conflicts, I find myself taking different approaches based on the people or situations I am faced with ever so often. If I find an adult trying to hit a dog (yes it happens), I am livid. I try to explain things to appeal to their good sense and educate them with the laws of the land. I find myself educating little kids who might be harming the dogs inadvertently, and I find myself wondering why they were not sensitized by their parents or teachers. I feel I should do my bit, and so, I explain things to them in as nice a way as possible. I stand up for what I consider right, and in doing so, somewhere I believe the other person to be so obviously wrong.

Today, I shall make a renewed effort at being more tolerant and accepting of other opinions and views on anything, however contrary to mine. I shall continue to stand by what I believe in and make my efforts, however insignificant.
Yet, I shall strive to not consider myself 'better' because what I believe in is 'right'.