Each Individual is Unique!

Each Individual is Unique

Why exactly we compare ourselves with others? We compare ourselves because we have never understood ourselves and are not aware of who we are and what we have. It is also because society has conditioned us from our birth to evaluate ourselves based upon others.

Buddha says, “Nothing exists except in relationship.” Suppose you were the only person on a new planet, how would you compare yourself with anyone? Could you call yourself tall or short, ugly or beautiful, rich or poor, intelligent or dumb? No! When there is no one to compare yourself with, you just are!

Understand, there is no scale to compare with anybody. Each individual is unique. Can you compare a lion and a horse? Do we ever compare ourselves with flowers or birds or mountains? Then, why do we have to compare ourselves with other human beings? Just see nature: the rose plant and the mango tree grow in the same garden and prosper because they use all their energy for their own growth instead of using to compare themselves with the other.

Comparison leads to jealousy. Comparison is the seed and jealousy is the fruit! We always compare ourselves with others in various fields – looks, wealth, knowledge, name and fame and friends, etc. when we compare ourselves with others we feel that somebody else has something more than what we have and, we get caught in jealousy. We suffer and constantly fight with others openly or inside ourselves. We are just waiting for someone to hurt us. Don’t throw the responsibility of your suffering on the other person. be very clear, nobody can hurt you without your silent permission.

You are made to believe that only by comparison you can grow. No. through comparison you will grow only to the extent of the person with whom you are comparing yourself, not to your own unique level. The whole spiritual knowledge or experience is nothing but realising you are unique, there is nothing to compare. Comparison is societal. Realising your uniqueness is natural.

Comparison happens because you feel that you are somehow lacking. But, you have no idea of your true unique potential! If you did, you wouldn’t spend one second looking outside yourself for answers about how to live a creative, fulfilling life. All the confidence, intelligence, and vibrant energy that you need already exist inside you. You have the potential to live like god on planet earth.

Be blissful!

(An article of Paramahamsa Nithyanda

published in the 10th September 2009 edition of Economic Times)