Handling Difference of Opinion

Once Mahatma Gandhi was visiting Shanti Niketan, the abode of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.

At the end of the visit, before he left for Kolkata, he wrote in the visitor’s diary, words that meant, “If you have given a commitment, even at the cost of death you must live up to your commitment.”

Just below that, Gurudev wrote, “If you have given a commitment, and if you realize you are wrong, abandon that commitment.”

And they shared a good laugh about their Difference of Opinion.

Did you know, the name ‘Mahatma’ was given to Bapu by Gurudev and the name of ‘Gurudev’ was given to Ravindranath Tagore by Bapu.

Just superbly amazing.

Can you imagine, YOU having such a stark difference of opinion with someone and yet root the relationship in deep respect.

Like the above anecdote, they had differences of opinion on a few more major topics including the efficacy of British rule on India. Yet, their mutual respect was HUGE.

Their mutual respect did not suffer even a bit at the hands of difference of opinion.

I imagine, if I can do the same with people I love and people I work, how wonderful life will be.

What are your thoughts..

With love, prayers, and exceptional wishes,

naren

Change your thoughts. Change your life.