Gerald D'Cunha

I t was a busy narrow-street. On both sides of the street, there was hardly any space left for people to walk. Everyone was maneuvering his way through the chaos, and so was I. Just then, a friend of mine, who happened to pass by on his motor bike, sighted me… He spontaneously parked his bike on the side and crossed over to my side to talk to me. Even before I could remind him to park the bike little away, where there was some open space, the motorist behind him yelled, “Akkal nahin hai kya?” I instinctively knew it would provoke my friend… Yes, it did. “Tameez se baat karo,” my friend pointed his index finger. “Gaadi hatao ,” the motorist screamed… “Nahin hataunga,” my friend challenged. By then, the motorists from all sides were honking incessantly… I pressed my friend’s hand and gently whispered, “Let’s take your bike a little ahead and talk… It’s better for all of us.” Luckily, my friend did not show any resistance… He crossed ove...

Other person does not irritate me… No, he cannot! No behavior of another person… no words… whatever those words may be, and however they may have been uttered… can irritate me.  The words have no power to hurt me, upset me… and make me angry. Someone’s behavior just can’t do it either... On the contrary, I may end up enjoying – getting a lot pampered – by what is being said by him… and, his behavior! If I like the person, I really do not mind his words. I know he means well… and, that’s it. Not much is needed in the form of explanation or justification or clarification. The fact that I like the innate goodness of the person supersedes everything else…  I suspend my judgment… I cease to study his intentions…or motives… I drop my need to control him or manipulate him… I know he is a good person… means well for me… I respect him, honor him and love him for what he is… So, when I respect him, honor him an...