No One Is A Stranger: Dynamics of Nurturing Inter-Personal Relationships With Spiritual Values

'If you cannot see God in the human face, how- can you see him in the clouds, or in images made of dull, dead matter, or in mere fictitious stories of our brain? I shall call you religious from the day you begin to see God in men and women, and then you will understand what is meant by turning the left cheek to the man who strikes you on the right. When you see man as God, everything, even the tiger, will be welcome. Whatever comes to you is but the Lord, the Eternal the Blessed One, appearing to us in various forms, as our father, and mother, and friend, and child-they are our own soul playing with us.'

Almost every aspect of life revolves around inter- personal relationships. Since human beings have differences in temperaments, interests and capacities, there are also differences in the relationships one develops with them. Difference apart, one also needs a deeper understanding of the causes that bring people together or make them sow seeds of discord. One cannot have peace of mind if one's inter-personal relationships are passing through a rough patch. Everyone faces times when he has to respond meaningfully to such a rough patch. In the ultimate analysis, what is required in handling inter-personal relationships is inculcation of a spiritual outlook towards life. This asks for nothing less than a matured approach to life's problems. One has to understand oneself and others in the light of spiritual oneness of all human beings. When one understands it, honesty and uprightness in one's dealings--the most vital values that guide a healthy human dealing-become a natural trait of one's personality.

The Vedanta Kesari, the English monthly published from this Math, brought out a special issue with inter- personal relationship as its theme which was very well received by its readers. Considering the continued relevance of the theme, we are glad to present it in this form.