Living with other people in this wondrous and interdependent existence,

We need to accept one and all as they are – without resistance.

 

Allowing – giving fellow humans freedom and joy to be themselves,

Not projecting expectations and judgments on them from ourselves.

 

Cherishing – loving care for others equal to self-cherishing,

Showing them only kindness, and never be disparaging!

 

Compassion – fostering other persons’ welfare and well-being,

Deeply desiring to alleviate their burdens, pain or suffering.

 

Equanimity – seeking to free oneself of attachment and aversion,

And showing goodwill equally to all, not casting any aspersion.

 

Patience – forbearing difficult situations with people,

And not reacting with anger or being somehow deceitful.

 

Thankfulness – being grateful for our precious human existence,

And always willing to render, as we can, to others heartfelt assistance.

 

These qualities of goodwill, used with discernment and wisdom,

Help free the heart and mind from sorrow and suffering’s prison.

 

May all find happiness and cultivate the causes of happiness,

And alleviate this life’s sorrow by seeking to avoid its causes.

 

May all come to find supreme joy beyond all sorrow;

And free from greed and hate live in a better tomorrow.

 

 

Alex and Eva Peck

(Reflecting on people that we may not see eye to eye with.)