Criticising Others? Look Within!

 

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Criticising Others? Look Within!

Criticism has become a common part of human interaction. We often find ourselves judging others - pointing out their flaws, questioning their actions, or highlighting their mistakes. Yet, if we pause and reflect, we may discover a profound truth: criticism of others is often a mirror reflecting our own inner faults.

When we criticise, we believe we are evaluating someone else. But in reality, we are projecting our own weaknesses, insecurities, or unresolved issues. The harshness we see in another may be the harshness we carry within. The impatience we condemn in someone else may be the impatience we struggle with ourselves. Thus, before passing judgment, it is wise to look within.

Meditation helps us in this process of introspection. When we sit in silence, we begin to witness the movements of the mind. We see how quickly it judges, how easily it reacts, and how often it projects. By observing these tendencies, we gain clarity. We realise that criticism is not about others - it is about us. It is a reflection of our inner state.

The law of karma also plays a role here. When we criticise others, the same situations often return to us in the future. Life has a way of teaching us through experience. If we judge someone harshly, we may later find ourselves in a similar position, facing the same flaws we once condemned. This karmic cycle is not punishment but education. It teaches us compassion.

Through these experiences, we learn to soften our judgments. We begin to understand that everyone is on a journey, struggling with their own challenges. Just as we seek patience and forgiveness for our shortcomings, others deserve the same. Compassion arises naturally when we realise that criticism only perpetuates suffering, while understanding dissolves it.

Meditation deepens this compassion. In meditation, we become witnesses rather than judges. We observe thoughts and emotions without clinging to them. This witnessing extends into daily life. Instead of criticising, we begin to see clearly. We recognise the humanity in others, the struggles they face, and the growth they are undergoing. We respond not with judgment but with empathy.

Looking within before criticising transforms relationships. It reduces conflict, nurtures harmony, and builds trust. When we stop projecting our faults onto others, we create space for genuine connection. We begin to support rather than condemn, uplift rather than belittle. This shift not only benefits others but also brings peace to our own hearts.

Ultimately, criticism is a teacher. It shows us where we need to grow. Every time we feel the urge to judge, we can pause and ask: “Is this about them, or is this about me?” This question opens the door to self-awareness. In that awareness, criticism dissolves, compassion blossoms, and silence within becomes our guide.

Thus, the spiritual path invites us to look within. Criticising others is easy, but true growth comes from introspection. Meditation helps us see clearly, karma teaches us compassion, and awareness transforms judgment into understanding. When we stop criticising and start witnessing, we discover peace, harmony, and the essence of love.