How Can We See Our Own Inner Goodness?

If we can take in whatever comes our way with equanimity, we begin to see our own inner goodness. We gain true confidence and a sense of dignity. Dignity and confidence come because we have achieved a stable sense of well-being that is not dependent on whether other people praise or blame us. When we cultivate equanimity, we work for the sake of doing a good job and develop good qualities for their own sake, which naturally attracts people’s appreciation. People will praise us because of our confidence radiating from within, independent of any need for validation. Relaxing and having true confidence is an appealing quality, and people are drawn to and admire it. Desperately seeking praise and approval is disempowering, eroding inner confidence; people tend to be averse to that energetic state and may therefore feel negatively about you. Praise, approval, and appreciation arise in others when we have done something for its own sake, when pleasure in the task is unconditioned by a wish for approval. Appreciation like this is not superficial and will not be based on people’s fleeting perceptions of you. It comes from within, not from you chasing after it. It comes naturally from cultivating equanimity. With equanimity there is a natural flow in life, an ease and sense of authenticity. But fear of being criticized creates a life of struggle and hardship. Without equanimity, we usually end up with the opposite of what we aim for. Through knowing the nature of mind, free from hope and fear—knowing the true, original nature of our own mind—the eight worldly concerns are naturally liberated. The conditions and concerns we are embroiled with when in their grip have never truly existed. When we’re able to be in the state of equanimity, we are no longer swayed by life’s changing circumstances. From my personal experience with this practice, I have seen the calming and settling of my worries and obstacles and being able to be in the state of evenness and calmness of mind. My negative thoughts and emotions self-dissolved and naturally ceased.

Excerpt From
Loving Life as It Is
Chakung Jigme Wangdrak

Image: Stained glass at St John the Baptist’s Anglican Church