It has been a while since I have got down to writing, but over the last few days I have wanted to explore judgement because the other day, I found myself judging someone and I realised that I was judging unfairly…..How did I realise that? Well because I did’t know the facts! Even though the outward behaviour that I observed was negative, one has to accept that everyone has a path to tread and everyone has to learn their own lessons.
Judgement comes into the ideal of Patanjali’s Yama’s (the behaviours of an enlightened being) under the heading of Satya. Satya is described as real, genuine, honest, sincere, virtuous and truthful. In this case, it was the value of truth that came to my attention. We make judgements when we think we know what is right and true, but did I really know the truth? How could I know the truth?
I have been studying Buddhism with Georg Feuerstein lately and happened to be looking at the six great Mahayana virtues of generosity, morality, patience, vigour, meditation and wisdom which sent me off into deep introspection. There is plenty to work on internally without externally judging and criticising others.
How can we really know what is going on for someone else, how can we get inside their head and know what they are thinking? The truth is we can’t, but its so easy to criticise and judge.
Byron Katie has based her foundation of “The Work” on the value and principle of truth, her website is well worth a visit, she has some fantastic downloadable material.
When you make a statement or a judgemet about someone, just ask yourself “is that true”, “how do I know that its true?”. Two benefits will come out of that:
1. You will suffer less.
2. Your energy will not be wasted on negative thoughts towards others.
3. The energy coming from you will be lighter and you will be much nicer to be around.
As a result of giving this some thought and being more mindful of how often I judge others I feel so much more compassion and I notice that I am much more present…A great start! 
So remember, before you can heal others, you first have to heal yourself!
Have a wonderful day.
Love Anandi
Beautifully put my friend and a great topic of reflection for us all. Keep up the great work!
Thank you!!!