Hi Pam and other spiritual partners,

It is unfortunately a long story, but I will try to be as brief as possible. It is a situation in which I have often felt the need to go to pp. 157, 158 of Gary’s Soul to Soul where he raises a very important question “What is the distinction between recognizing something evil and judging it?” under Soul Questions and answers it beautifully. Actually, last night I read it aloud to my wife, and stopped often to elaborate on what Gary says and to make connections to the situation I am in.

The semester before this past one a whole set of students felt forced to bring to my attention some “evil” actions on the part of a colleague of mine. These actions were aimed toward me, but they actually had the potential of a destructive effect on the students, which is why they had to bring it to my attention. Although the others managed, one student did end up being a victim, which definitely broke my heart.

Again, toward the end of this past semester another student unfortunately had to bring to my attention a set of “evil” actions on the part of the same colleague. Again, although they were aimed at me, they ended up affecting the student with a destructive effect. When I realize the details as to how the student was affected, it has again broken my heart. This student in fact has gone to the extent of writing a very detailed email to two higher-ups and has decided to meet in person with the higher of the two after the administrative holidays end on New Year day and before the classes start for the next semester.

Of course, the intention on the part of the colleague is invisible. According to Gary, evil simply means absence of love. I think I recognize the evil, and I definitely feel that this person is a fellow student in the Earth school who is in pain. Gary points out that if one doesn’t react self-righteously to evil, one would simply discern, act appropriately, and move on. Although it has been a continuing story at a minor level, it appears that these past two semesters it has kind of peaked and reached a limit. In the above, Gary indicates, “act appropriately”. What is an appropriate action in this situation?

Gary also says, “If you can see an angry, or deceitful, or violent person for what he or she is – a fellow student in the Earth school who is in extreme pain – you can interact with that person appropriately.” This morning I was wondering whether I should attempt to have a one-on-one, heart-to-heart conversation with that colleague. On second thought, I am not sure. It is quite possible that this person could twist it and complain to the higher-ups in unexpected ways. Unfortunately, this is not an informal family or community situation, but a formal, official situation where we are bound by certain rules and so on.

Pam, I repeat to myself your words: “even my wanting to know or assuming that I do know [the intention] comes from a frightened part of my personality that does not feel equal to that person”. I consider this colleague equal to me in Gary’s sense. I don’t need to know the intention. But, I think I have been forced to be at a fork where I have to make a choice and I also know that it should be a choice based on love. What I am unable to conclude yet is: what exactly is it? what is the appropriate way to act here? A suggestion from my wife is for me to retire. I am really not for it – I want to continue my selfless service to my wonderful students until my health permits.

I would really appreciate any feedback from any of the spiritual partners. Thank you for your time.

With love,
Sundar

Hi Joanne,

Good question. Thank you.

Probably a conversation at a spiritual level. Along the lines of Gary’s work. A heart-to-heart communication. I haven’t even thought over how to start it and how to proceed. I was wondering whether it is a viable option and how other spiritual partners might view it.

The problem is that even when I approach it at the level of heart, I cannot be sure whether the other person would approach it at a similar level. The person is known to be manipulative, specifically does not hesitate to lie a lot (I don’t mean to be judgmental; it is known to be one issue). So, I am really wondering whether it will work.

With love,
Sundar