ASK MAULANA — Your Questions Answered

you to use your mental capacity to the fullest extent. Patience is a precious virtue; it costs nothing to acquire this virtue. It requires only the training of your mind; you have to train yourself to control your emotions. What is meant by rational thought? Rational thinking means reason-based thinking. It is the kind of thinking that is based on proven facts. It is based on sound reason. We tend to let our heart rule our thinking and this can cloud our judgement. We need to control our emotions and understand the realities of life objectively; only then will we be able to develop rational thinking. How should one deal with difference of opinion? Difference is a part of nature. It is difference that paves way for intellectual discussion. Difference per se is therefore not an evil but a blessing. There have to be certain pre-conditions if difference is to be a healthy social asset. In spite of differences you have to remain peaceable. You have to be sincere and objective, so that the difference may be expressed in a disciplined manner. You have to express your differences peacefully, and at the same time be open-minded enough to allow others to freely express their views. In the matter of disagreement and criticism people should shed off their unnecessary sensitivity, instead of attempting to put a stop to the act of criticism and disagreement itself. It is almost impossible to achieve the ideal; but if we do not aspire to the ideal, where will righteous motivation come from? Try to achieve the ideal but, at the same time, be prepared to accept the practical. The ideal should be your goal. But one has to deal with all sorts of people and keep social realities in mind. In such a situation, nonacceptance of the less-than-ideal is bound to lead to disappointment. Is it necessary to entertain feelings of guilt? Does it not undermine confidence? This thinking is based on a wrong assumption. Guilt means admitting your mistakes, so guilt gives you renewed confidence that henceforth you will do your work in a better way. Feeling guilty means being more cautious and more sincere; so, guilt is an entirely positive quality. There is nothing negative about it.o