Judgement can have two very different meanings. On the one hand to judge someone means to assume a certain set of values or characteristics in them. On the other judgement is an important skill when it comes to making decisions.
The first meaning can be very unhealthy, and is always delusional. There’s no such thing as a good, or bad, or normal person. Whatever trait you want to use, it will never be able to describe the whole person. Yes there are people who do very bad things, and people who do very good things but a person’s actions is not the same as the person themselves. This is why all forms of prejudice and generalisation cannot be true, and it also shows how forgiveness is always possible.
The first meaning can be very unhealthy, and is always delusional. There’s no such thing as a good, or bad, or normal person. Whatever trait you want to use, it will never be able to describe the whole person. Yes there are people who do very bad things, and people who do very good things but a person’s actions is not the same as the person themselves. This is why all forms of prejudice and generalisation cannot be true, and it also shows how forgiveness is always possible.
Part of judging people in this way is to assume things without knowing their own personal situation. People are very complexed, and so is life and that’s another reason why generalisations don’t work. I know there’s plenty of times I’ve been guilty of assuming things about people after hearing they’ve done this or that, and then when I come to hear their situation that led to that it becomes far more understandable. The problem is the mind loves to categorize things, including people and add to that the egos desire to feel superior and you’ve got a real cocktail for judgement!
The key (as always) is awareness. If you can be aware of the minds inclination to do these things then you can rise above them. From this awareness, this space beyond the chattering mind comes true judgement. That is the ability to make clear and wholesome decisions based on truth. This truth is the same as pure intelligence and pure love - the one true knowing.
The key (as always) is awareness. If you can be aware of the minds inclination to do these things then you can rise above them. From this awareness, this space beyond the chattering mind comes true judgement. That is the ability to make clear and wholesome decisions based on truth. This truth is the same as pure intelligence and pure love - the one true knowing.
As we approach the general election in the UK, it’s important to consider the role both kinds of judgement play in politics. A lot of scapegoating is used by all parties, whether it be immigrants, benefit claimants, rich people, poor people… the list goes on. Everyone is different and has their own struggles, yet everyone ultimately wants to be happy - it’s important to remember that. If society turns against each other then things will only get worse.
People will always disagree on exactly how to create a better society, with the world being as complexed as it is. But what needs to be universal is a basic compassion and understanding for all of humanity. If we can all learn to rise above judgement and assumptions about one another, and work towards understanding and tolerance, then our true judgement will carve the way for a better world.
People will always disagree on exactly how to create a better society, with the world being as complexed as it is. But what needs to be universal is a basic compassion and understanding for all of humanity. If we can all learn to rise above judgement and assumptions about one another, and work towards understanding and tolerance, then our true judgement will carve the way for a better world.